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.

 

This workshop is intended for dive professionals and avid recreational divers interested in obtaining a permit to collect lionfish in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas. These workshops are sponsored by REEF and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The workshop presentation will cover the history and progression of the invasion, an overview of lionfish biology and ecology, safe handling and collection techniques, and first aid.

More information at www.REEF.org/lionfish/workshops.

 

This workshop is intended for dive professionals and avid recreational divers interested in obtaining a permit to collect lionfish in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas. These workshops are sponsored by REEF and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The workshop presentation will cover the history and progression of the invasion, an overview of lionfish biology and ecology, safe handling and collection techniques, and first aid.

More information at www.REEF.org/lionfish/workshops.

The next workshop will be hosted at Mote Marine Lab in Summerland Key on Wednesday October 24th, and will consist of a morning classroom session and afternoon dives with Captain Hook’s Strike Zone Charters in Big Pine Key. The workshop will begin at 9 AM, and will include background on the invasion, lionfish biology, ecological impacts, current research, collecting and handling techniques and much more! Attendees can obtain a permit to collect lionfish within the Sanctuary Preservation Areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary using hand nets only.

Masked Hamlet photo by Ellie Place

REEF Fishinars are fun, live, interactive webinars, open to anyone who wants to learn about ocean life. We hope you can join one of our upcoming sessions!

Unique Fish of the Cayman Islands: Join REEF’s Director of Science, Christy Semmens, on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 8pm Eastern to learn more about some of the unique and interesting fish that you can find while diving in the Cayman Islands.

We are thrilled to have teamed up with Waterlust, an eco-clothing company, to create an invasive lionfish collection as their newest line of advocate apparel. The brand-new lionfish line is available on Waterlust's website and includes leggings, an athletic top, a sun suit, and headband. 10% of profits from the sale of the lionfish collection will be donated to REEF. Waterlust products are extremely high quality and are made from environmentally-conscious materials.

This article highlights the effectiveness of lionfish derbies in the Florida Keys, including the recent Earth Day Lionfish Derby where winning team Forever Young swept all three prize categories - most lionfish, largest, and smallest.

 

 

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.

Whether you're diving for a cause of just because - being with good people makes for good times. Participate in REEF's 2013 Lionfish Derby Series and help reduce local lionfish populations. www.REEF.org/lionfish/derbies

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