Congratulations Dennis Bensen, REEF's Newest Golden Hamlet Club Member

REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project database totals more than 258,000 surveys. A small group of highly dedicated surveyors known as the Golden Hamlet Club have contributed significantly to this total by each conducting 1,000+ REEF surveys. Congratulations to Dennis Bensen, our newest member of the Golden Hamlet Club!

Dennis has been a REEF member since 2001 and is an expert level surveyor in both the Tropical Western Atlantic and Hawaii regions. He's conducted surveys in 7 of REEF's 11 survey regions, and over half of his 1,000 surveys done in the Hawaii region.

The Faces of REEF: John McGurl

REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.

The Faces of REEF: Member Spotlight, Carol Cox

REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Over 43,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission.

This month we highlight Carol Cox. Carol joined REEF in 2010 and has conducted 159 surveys. Carol is a member of the Tropical Western Atlantic REEF Advanced Assessment Team and has been an active volunteer and instructor in REEF's Fishinar series. Here's what she had to say about REEF:

When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member?

Fishinar - The Shallow End - Fish you can find in ten feet or less

Join REEF's Conservation Coordinator Ellie Place and REEF's Education Program Manager, Ellie Splain, as they let you know about some uncommon, elusive fish in the Tropical Western Atlantic that you can find combing the shore line in different locations - in ten feet of water or less!

Your time zone may vary - this is a live, online session that starts at 8pm Eastern time.

Fish taught in this Fishinar session:

April 2020 Issue 3

During this challenging time we hope all
of our intern alumni are staying safe and
healthy. Even though the REEF Campus
has been closed this past month due to
Covid-19, this hasn't stopped our
Marine Conservation Interns from
accomplishing so much. Amelia, Maddi
and Riley have all been working
diligently from home on graphic designs,
projects for Grouper Moon, online
outreach and plans for the future.
One way to stay connected with REEF
while staying safe at home is to join us

Fish Jeopardy - Caribbean Style

Please join REEF staff Janna Nichols for another fun FISHY HOUR with a game of "Fishardy" - a fish Jeopardy-style game. This version will feature fish found in our Tropical Western Atlantic region, which includes the Caribbean, Florida and The Bahamas.

The Faces of REEF: Leslie Kopietz

REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.

Bring on the Blennies!

Do blennies boggle your brain? Learn how to tell the differences between some of the most common blennies in the Tropical Western Atlantic region, and where to find them.

IMPORTANT: Note the time zone and make sure you adjust it as needed for your location!

Species covered during this session are:

Fishinar - Angelfish and Butterflyfish - Kings and Queens of the Reef

Kings and Queens of the Reef: Angelfish and Butterflyfish of the Tropical Western Atlantic

Fish taught in this session:

  • Queen Angelfish
  • Gray Angelfish
  • French Angelfish
  • Blue Angelfish
  • Rock Beauty
  • Cherubfish
  • Banded Butterflyfish
  • Foureye Butterflyfish
  • Spotfin Butterflyfish
  • Reef Butterflyfish
  • Longsnout Butterflyfish
  • Bank Butterflyfish

The Roar of the Lionfishes Pterois volitans and Pterois miles

Through the analysis of acoustic recordings of captive Pterois spp., this study has confirmed anecdotal evidence that Pterois spp. are soniferous. This report of sound production in Pterois spp. provides the foundation for future research into their specific acoustic capabilities including sound production mechanisms, the role of social behaviour and applied techniques for controlling and monitoring invasive Pterois spp. in the tropical and temperate western Atlantic Ocean. REEF staff, Lad Akins, was a co-author.

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