SMILE Workshop
A new collaborative project SMILE (Size Matters: Innovative Length Estimate) is now underway in the Florida Keys to help collect information about fish lengths. These data are critical for fisheries stock assessments, which are used to manage ecologically and economically important marine species. Funded through NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), the SMILE project involves volunteer divers, innovative underwater camera technology, and the expansion of a citizen science approach to collect length data for reef fish in the South Atlantic. Learn more about the project at www.REEF.org/smile-project
NOW is your opportunity to test out the cameras and be a part of this exciting and innovative project. Join us for a community SMILE workshop that includes a morning classroom session on the background of the project, how the technology works, and a chance to ask our team questions before heading out to the water to try out the cameras. The dives and workshop are free for participants (supported through a grant).
*Divers must be at least Advanced Open Water Certified with a minimum of 50 dives*
Dates & Times
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Classroom background: 9:30am-11:00am at the REEF Campus (98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037) *Virtual or in-person options
2-tank dives: 12:30 Check-In at Key Dives (85960 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036)
Additional Details
REEF will provide camera equipment to all registered participants. You will need to provide your own scuba diving equipment. If you need to rent equipment, you must set that up with Key Dives before getting on the afternoon boat.
You must place your $40 deposit to secure your dive spot on the SMILE charter. This deposit can be refunded if requested via email within 7 days of workshop completion or particpants can choose to donate their deposit and recieve a limited edition rash guard from our 2024 lionfish derby. Though the workshop is free to participants, divers should tip the Key Dives crew.
If you must cancel your registration, you must do so within 48 hours of the workshop dives to refund your $40 deposit. We cannot provide refunds within 48 hours of the workshop or for no-shows.
Due to the advanced nature of the dives, an advanced dive certification (AOW or above) and 50 logged dives minimum are required for dive participants. You may be put on the waitlist if you do not meet one or both of these requirements.
If the workshop is full you can sign up to be put on a waitlist, and you will be notified immediately if a spot opens up. The waitlist is for the afternoon two-tank dives with Key Dives. The morning classroom does not require a waitlist and is open to anyone wanting to join.
If you have any questions regarding the workshop, please call our office at 305-852-0030 or email carolyn.corley@REEF.org.
