Estimating a population’s growth rate and year-to-year variance is a key component of population viability analysis (PVA). However, standard PVA methods require time series of counts obtained using consistent survey methods over many years. The authors of this study used REEF data along with two other fisheries datasets to evaluate the long-term trends of rockfish in Puget Sound, Washington State. The time-series analysis was performed with a multivariate autoregressive state-space (MARSS) model.
Explore the islands the Northeastern Caribbean aboard the Caribbean Explorer II, one of the only liveboard dive boats that visits this area year-round. Participants will begin the trip in St. Kitts and end the week in St. Maarten, allowing us to visit a variety of sites throughout the week. This special REEF itinerary will feature diving around Montserrat, which is known for being home to an active volcano. Less than 50 REEF surveys have conducted in the area surrounding Montserrat, and participants will have an opportunity to contribute much-needed data to REEF's online database.
This eco-adventure will give REEF members a chance to experience many alluring facets of Costa Rica, including abundant marine life, vibrant tropical rainforests and active volancoes. The trip includes a unique itinerary featuring diving or snorkeling to conduct REEF surveys, as well as land tours in two diverse regions of the country - Guanacaste and Arenal. This weeklong family-friendly excursion also includes a wildlife boat tour, volcano hike, Hanging Bridges guided walk, and even a chocolate tour and tortilla making lesson!
This will be REEF's second trip to Cayman Brac, one of the Sister Islands of the Cayman Islands. Smaller and less developed than Grand Cayman, Brac offers a slow paced island getaway. Participants will help build REEF's fish survey database in this less-dived area by participating in a week of citizen science-based fish surveys! The dive staff at Brac Reef Beach Resort will take excellent care of the group and are known for providing a high level of service.
Expand your knowledge of fish id at this lovely seaside resort in the heart of beautiful St. Lucia. 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 many other activities including 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 REEF surveyors of all levels.
Participants on our inaugral Maldives Field Survey Trip will have the opportunity to conduct some of the very first fish surveys in REEF's newest region, the Eastern Indian Ocean! This itinerary will feature diving around the northwest and central islands, which typically have excellent visibility and colorful reef life. Maldivian waters support the world's largest known year-round population of reef manta rays, but this destination offers the chance to see many ocean creatures, both large and small.
Join REEF's annual trip to Cozumel for a wonderful week of camaraderie, diving and citizen science! Enjoy the fabulous diving in crystal clear waters that have been protected as a marine park for nearly 20 years. Many great fish finds await, including the endemic Splendid Toadfish, found only in this area. When not diving, you will enjoy all the wonderful food and culture that Mexico has to offer, as well as daily seminars by Cozumel local and long-time REEF Expert, Tracey Griffin. Reserve your spot today - this popular trip always sells out early.
This special Lionfish Research Trip is part of REEF’s ongoing effort to monitor the establishment and consequences of invasive lionfish on native fish populations and reef ecosystems. The trip includes a unique research itinerary aboard the Turks and Caicos Explorer II to visit remote areas of the Bahamas including Mayaguana, Plana Cays, Crooked Island, Salina Point, and Castle Island. Trip participants will also have the chance to be trained in lionfish collection, handling and dissection of specimens to document prey.
With its large variety of dive sites, Grenada is known as the dive capital of the Eastern Caribbean. Colorful reefs and spectacular shipwrecks filled with fish life will thrill all types of divers. Conditions are typically excellent both above and below the water, with dive visibility normally between 50-100 feet. Grenada is also home to a world-famous underwater sculpture park and has plenty of land-based activities to enjoy during surface intervals, including hiking, visiting beautiful Grand Anse Beach, river tubing and touring historic sites.
We are kicking off March with REEF's third annual Month of Membership Madness. We have tons of great benefits this month for new members and for those who help us reach our goal of 500 new members in March. So help us spread the word - get your friends and family to join REEF today.