Earlier this month, for World Oceans Day, the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation celebrated by pledging to match contributions to REEF dollar for dollar, up to $30,000! Our campaign to raise funds for protecting Nassau Grouper, controlling invasive Lionfish, and inspiring citizen science through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project is off to a great start. But we still need your help to reach our goal in the next 30 days. If you haven't yet had a chance, please contribute today.

Earth Day is just a few days away. You can celebrate our environment by helping us reduce our carbon footprint at REEF Headquarters through a one-time, tax-deductible donation to support renewable energy.

Your generous contribution of $500 or $1,000 will go directly toward the installation of solar panels on the roof of REEF's Interpretive Center, reducing our monthly energy costs by an average of 55%!* Donors will be honored on a commemorative plaque at REEF Headquarters.

Here's what we're up to in the coming months:

October 31- November 3: DEMA Show in Orlando, FL. Come visit us at both 1133 and you could win a signed print by Tom Isgar by partaking in our DEMA raffle to help raise funds for REEF.

November 11-17: Conservation Week with Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas in Nassau with Ned and Anna DeLoach, Bruce Purdy and Andy Dehart

- REEF Hats!  Just Added to the REEF Store.  Check them out and get yours today.

- The 2009 Field Survey Schedule has been updated with several new trips, including a second trip to Cozumel this December and Bermuda with Ned and Anna DeLoach in October 2009.

Field Surveys – Eighteen REEF members joined Drs. Christy and Brice Semmens earlier this month on a Field Survey to the Sea of Cortez aboard the Rocio del Mar live-aboard. The team conducted over 300 surveys in 20 locations around the Midriff Islands, many of which were new to the REEF database. It was a great trip, with 130 species of fish found, beautiful topside scenery, and pods of sperm and pilot whales!

This week’s arrival of the other interns has brought new energy into the office and the house as well. It’s great to have others that are sharing the same experience, and by no doubt we are going accomplish so much as us four interns to work together. Handling matters at the office has become daily routine. I am anxiously looking forward to doing some more fish surveys, but the weather has plans to keep me dry, at least for now. So, for the time I have fully processed 12 lionfish dissections and found that I am dynamite at extracting lionfish otoliths. 

As an environmental leader in our Florida Keys community, we are excited to share that REEF is taking a big step toward sustainability by making improvements to our Headquarters in Key Largo. You can help us reduce our carbon footprint by making a one-time, tax-deductible donation to support renewable energy.

This past month the Marine Conservation
Interns as a team successfully planned and
executed a Lionfish Jewelry Workshop.
Twenty members of the local community
attended this event to learn about invasive
lionfish and had the opportunity to create
earrings and necklaces out of their fins.
Attendees received all of the materials
necessary to create the jewelry, were
presented with a short demonstration and
then given creative freedom. The final
products were all original and beautiful! The

This summer has been filled with exciting REEF Discovery Programs and Expeditions for participants of all ages. One of the most meaningful was a two-day program with the Adapt-Able Foundation, a veteran-operated nonprofit that creates opportunities for people with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities to experience scuba diving.

Are you ready to take a dive trip that counts? If you are looking to spend a week in a wonderful destination, learning and exploring with a group of fun and like-minded divers and snorkelers, then don't miss out on a REEF Trip. Now is the time to book your 2012 Field Survey with one of REEF's expert guides. Get in touch with our travel experts at Caradonna to find out more and to book your space - 1-877-295-7333 (REEF), or via e-mail REEF@caradonna.com.

Pages