REEF staff co-authored a new publication in the scientific journal PeerJ that features research findings from our Invasive Lionfish Research Program. The paper, titled "Setting the record straight on invasive lionfish control: Culling works", evaluates the effectiveness of lionfish removal efforts. Frequent culling of the invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish throughout the Caribbean has been shown to cause a shift towards more wary and reclusive behavior by lionfish, which has prompted calls for halting culls.
The 22nd annual Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC) is rapidly approaching! Will you be participating? We encourage local shops, dive clubs, and other groups to organize an activity anytime during the month of July (and often training events in June). You can view events already scheduled, and add your own, by visiting www.fishcount.org.
The documentary "Grouper Moon", produced by Miami public television station WPBT2's Changing Seas, recently wowed audiences and judges at the Reef Renaissance Film Festival in the US Virgin Islands. "Grouper Moon" was awarded the Neptune Award for Best in Show, and a 1st Place Black Coral award in the Documentary Short category. The episode focuses on the collaborative efforts of REEF and the Cayman Department of the Environment to study and conserve one of the last great populations of the Nassau Grouper.
Earlier this month, for World Oceans Day, the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation and the Henry Foundation celebrated by pledging to match contributions to REEF this summer dollar for dollar, up to $45,000! Our campaign to raise funds for controlling invasive Lionfish, inspiring citizen science through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, and protecting Nassau Grouper is off to a great start. But we still need your help to reach our goal in the next 40 days. If you haven't yet had a chance, please contribute today.
REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Over 50,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission.
This month we highlight Naomi Wooten. Naomi has been a REEF member since 1999, and has conducted 143 surveys (all in her home state of California). She is a member of the Pacific Coast Advanced Assessment Team as an Expert Surveyor. Here's what Naomi had to say about REEF:
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member?
8:15 AM Road Trip to Blue Heron Bridge for a Shore Dive to find unusual critters: batfish, fly gurnards, sea horses, frogfish, jawfish.....
This is a 1 tank (90-120 minute shallow shore dive (<25 ft)). You will need a Diver Down Flag. You can rent the flag/tanks/weights/other gear at Force E Scuba Center (155 E Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL. 561-845-2333)
Check out on Facebook: Blue Heron Dive Club to see the latest critters sighted.
Address for shore dive: Phil Foster State Park, 900 East Blue Heron Boulevard, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
8 AM Check In at Islamorada Dive Center (MM 84): Wall Dive (Great Hammerhead sighted regularly on this reef) & at Patch Reef. Call IDC to reserve your spot: 305 664 3483, tell them you are with the REEF Fish ID Group. Email Allison to confirm your participation (allison.carlos@me.com)
12 PM Check In at Key Dives (MM 80): Alligator Ledge (2 hr dive / 100 Fish ID). Call Key Dives to sign up 305 664 2211. Identify yourself as a REEF Fish ID member. Email Allison to confirm your participation (allison.carlos@me.com)
12 PM Check In: Davis Reef (2 hr dive/ 100 fish) with IDC (Islamorada Dive Center)