You did your first REEF survey on July 19, 1995 at 57020014 Valley of the Kings in Roatan. What got you started?
I first learned about REEF from Gene, the owner of our local dive shop in Whitehouse, New Jersey.
You did your 1,000th Survey on Fred's Folly (Molasses Reef Ball 18) on November 22, 2024. Tell us anything memorable about this experience?
On the day of my 1000th survey, the wind and waves were coming from the north and were rather large. So, a site on Molasses Reef, which is somewhat protected from the north, was chosen. The plan turned to mooring ball #1, the picturesque Fire Coral Caves. We found a ball labelled #1 and dropped into the water to find the caves. No luck! As it happened, we were on ball #18. The number 8 was missing! There was no zone code or name for ball #18. Laura decided “Fred’s Folly” would be appropriate. And thanks to Janna Nichols, the rest is history.
You have done surveys in the HAW, TWA, SOP, CIP, and IORS. What experience levels are you in those other regions?
TWA 5, SOP 5, CIP 4, IORS 3, HAW 2. Fun fact: the surveys in Hawaii were part of our first REEF trip in 2006!
Do you have any favorite dive spots in those places?
My favorite dive sites in the TWA are off Key Largo: “City of Washington” and now of course, “Fred’s Folly.” My favorite spot in Fiji is “Nigali Channel” and in the Solomon Islands, “White Beach.”
What are some of your favorite fishes? What makes them your favorite?
My favorite fish include the Peppermint Basslet, Purple Reeffish, all cardinalfish, and, well, let’s face it...they’re all my favorites! Also, Lionfish (on my dinner plate).
What is your favorite thing/memory about REEF and the Volunteer Survey Project?
The volunteers, interns, and staff are what makes REEF special for me!
What are your goals with REEF for the future?
I plan to continue to enjoy participating in the wonderful REEF trips in the future.