We are currently seeking applicants for our January through May 2020 session of our Marine Conservation Internship Program. This internship is open to college students with at least two years of coursework, as well as recent graduates. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Oct. 20. Visit www.REEF.org/internship for complete details and application instructions.

Field Surveys -- these fun and educational dive trips are part of REEF's Volunteer Survey Project and they are the perfect way to "Make a Dive That Counts". I am looking for folks to join me in St. Croix in May, details are below. I recently returned from leading a group of amazing REEF volunteers on the Field Survey week in St. Lucia. The diving was great and everyone managed to see a new species during the week. Most notable for me – on my fish wish list was the Cardinal Soldierfish.

What have the Summer 2020 Marine Conservation Interns been up to?

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 one of our many REEF couples - David Thompson and Luanne Betz, members since 2011. David and Luanne have collectively conducted 250 surveys and are active surveyors in several REEF regions. Both have achieved Level 5 Expert status in the TWA and Level 3 status in the CIP. Here's what they had to say about REEF:

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 feature Kenny Tidwell (REEF member since 1998). Kenny is a member of REEF's Advanced Assessment Team in the Tropical Western Atlantic and has conducted 291 surveys. Here's what Kenny had to say about REEF:

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

REEF's in-person programming is on hold until further notice, but there are still ways you can stay engaged in marine conservation from home.

Located on St. Lucia's southwestern coast, Anse Chastanet has beautiful views of the ocean and the Pitons, two peaks rising up from the sea. The entire region is a protected marine area and excellent, easily accessible beach diving is available directly in front of the resort. When not diving or snorkeling, guests can enjoy sea kayaking, jungle biking, yoga and sailing. Anse Chastanet is an environmentally-conscious, luxury resort with plenty of amenities and delicious food, making it a great destination for divers, snorkelers, and non-diving companions.

Escape the hectic holidays with a fun dive vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is one of the few locations in the Caribbean that is known to have a healthy Nassau Grouper population, and because this trip falls right after the full moon, you may even see grouper migrating to spawning sites, or get to view them in their breeding colors! The Turks and Caicos Islands are also known to have resident Reef Sharks, frequently sighted on numerous dive locations. In addition, many other fish finds await discovery on the walls and reefs throughout the islands.

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