REEF is offering a lionfish workshop on June 15th at the Key Largo Library from 6:30 to about 8:00. All workshop participants will be eligible for a federal permit to collect lionfish, with nets or slurguns, from the no-take zones, the Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) in the FL Keys National Marine Sanctuary using nets. The permits will be issued a week or two following the workshop.
Join REEF in a special presentation on the background of the lionfish invasion, biology and ecology of lionfish, impacts of the lionfish and current research findings as well collecting and handling tools and techniques. After attending the Saturday morning workshop, each participant is welcome to attend optional lionfish handling dives on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
Join REEF in a special presentation on the background of the lionfish invasion, biology and ecology of lionfish, impacts of the lionfish and current research findings as well collecting and handling tools and techniques. After attending the Saturday morning workshop, each participant is welcome to attend optional lionfish handling dives on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
As the spread and impact of the invasive Indo-Pacific red lionfish explodes in the western Atlantic region, REEF continues to take a lead in addressing this complex environmental issue. In addition to extensive outreach and education efforts, REEF staff is involved in several field research projects to study the ecological impact of this voracious predator. REEF is also coordinating regional response efforts. In partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), NOAA, Mexico and France, REEF helped fund and organize the first Regional Lionfish Strategy Workshop in August.
We are excited to welcome the newest member of the REEF Team - Elizabeth Underwood, who joined our staff this month as Lionfish Program Coordinator. Elizabeth has been an active REEF member, avid fish counter, dedicated lionfish hunter, and all-round marine science enthusiast for quite some time. Elizabeth was first introduced to REEF in the Spring 2011 when she studied abroad in the Turks and Caicos Islands and conducted her first of many REEF fish surveys and lionfish studies.
Predation by the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish impacts native fish populations within the Caribbean region and threatens to expand further into Brazil and the Mediterranean. Identifying the range-restricted native fish species with high predation vulnerability in these areas ahead of the invasion front combined with the knowledge of the time a lionfish population typically takes to reach dangerously high densities could help conservation planners attain positive outcomes and reduce biodiversity loss.
$1,726 per person double occupancy ($2,146 single occupancy) - includes: lodging for 7 nights at the Kura Hulanda Lodge, breakfast each morning, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, r/t airport transportation on Curacao, ground transportation for group activities, and all taxes.
+$200 REEF Program Fee per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and survey materials.
The further I dive into the field of science, the more I realize that science must be applied by engaging in public interaction. This concept has been the overwhelming central theme to the week. On Tuesday night, Dr.
As part of REEF;s ongoing research partnership studying lionfish in the tropical Atlantic, we have 2 rooms left (up to 4 people) for our May 11-17 project in Nassau.
$1,534 per person double occupancy - includes: lodging for 7 nights at the Sandton Kura Hulanda Lodge, rental car, breakfast each morning, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, and all taxes and transfers.
+$200 REEF Program Fee per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and survey materials.
**For more information and to book your space, contact Martha at REEF Headquarters, trips@REEF.org or 305-852-0030. All proceeds will benefit REEF's Lionfish Control Studies.
