REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.
This month we highlight Carmen Toanchina, a REEF member who lives in Bonaire. She joined REEF in 2018 and has conducted more than 500 surveys in the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) and Central Indo-Pacific (CIP) regions. In addition to being an active surveyor, she also teaches fish ID classes to help share her love of marine life with others! We are proud to feature Carmen this month, and are glad that she is part of REEF.
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member?
I officially started volunteering with REEF in 2018 while working in the Solomon Islands on a liveaboard. A group from the Women Divers Hall of Fame joined our trip, bringing along survey papers, and they were very enthusiastic about conducting surveys during every dive. As a big fish enthusiast, I decided to join them, and I quickly became hooked on the surveying process. This experience sparked my passion for data collection, and I’ve been actively involved with REEF ever since.
If you have been on a REEF Field Survey Trip, where and what was your trip highlight?
My first-ever group trip was a REEF Field Survey trip to Bonaire, and it was one of the best dive trips I’ve ever been on. I loved it so much that I decided to move to Bonaire, so I think that says it all. The highlight of the trip was being surrounded by fellow fish enthusiasts. We had a fantastic time learning more about fish and discovering new species to add to our life lists. On that trip, I recorded my first century dive in Tropical Western Atlantic with 111 species on Tori’s Reef. You never forget this milestone when you’re a fish geek.
What is the most fascinating fish encounter you’ve experienced?
One of my most unforgettable fish encounters happened during a night dive in the Solomon Islands. Halfway through the dive, I decided to turn my light off. As I was cruising behind the group, I looked at the wall and noticed an unusual bioluminescent light darting around. Unlike the typical plankton glow, this was something entirely different—it looked like two blinking eyes. Intrigued, I switched on my light and was amazed to find myself face-to-face with a Twofin Flashlightfish (Anomalops katoptron.) This elusive creature had been on my wish list ever since I heard stories from divers encountering them on the SS President Coolidge wreck in Vanuatu, where you can spot them deep inside the wreck by turning off your lights. It was an incredible experience, and I returned to the spot on several subsequent nights, always finding them in the same location. I’m so captivated by these fascinating fish that I’m planning a return trip to the Solomon Islands just to see them again.
What is your favorite part about being a REEF member?
My favorite part about being a REEF member is the opportunity to contribute to marine conservation efforts while connecting with a global community of like-minded individuals. The ability to participate in surveys, share knowledge, and learn about marine life is incredibly rewarding. I love knowing that my efforts in fish surveying contribute to a larger database that is being used to generate reports aimed at protecting and preserving our oceans.
Do you have any surveying, fishwatching, or identification tips for REEF members?
One of the best tips I can offer for surveying, fishwatching, or identification is to take your time and focus on the details. Slow down your dives to really observe the fish and their behaviors—this can help you spot subtle differences between similar species. Also, familiarize yourself with the key characteristics of the fish families you’re likely to encounter. Lastly, always keep a fish ID guide handy for reference, and don’t hesitate to consult with other REEF members—they can be a great resource for improving your skills.