When a REEF volunteer surveyor has submitted 1,000 surveys, he or she becomes a member of the Golden Hamlet Club, named for the rare, sought-after species found in the Tropical Western Atlantic region. REEF survey regions cover the globe and our volunteers are able to survey in tropical and temperate waters worldwide.
Join us for some online fish-themed fun and learning during the month of May! Fishy Hours are online group games just for fun, while Fishinars are REEF's brand of online fish ID classes and learning sessions. All sessions are free and all are invited to attend.
Did you know you can participate in REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project while snorkeling? It's a perfect way to dip your toes into citizen science and contribute valuable information about fish populations seen in our oceans, without all the gear and training involved with scuba diving. Snorkel surveys are perfect for:
Please put your pectoral fins together for the following REEF members who have recently moved up an Experience Level within our Volunteer Fish Survey Project!
Volunteers have the opportunity to advance through five levels (Novice through Expert) within each of our survey project regions. Experience Levels are obtained by a combination of fish/invertebrate ID tests and surveys submitted. As surveyors advance, their surveys are categorized in our online sightings database accordingly.
Twenty-seven surveyors have met our 20 in 2020 Challenge by conducting and submitting at least 20 surveys this year. The challenge is ongoing throughout 2020 and there's still plenty of time to join in. Everyone who completes the challenge gets a special decal and is entered into a drawing for a prize! You can check out more details on the webpage here.
Have you conducted and submitted 20 surveys in 2020? If so, email 202020@REEF.org and let us know!
These REEF members are moving up in the world! This past month we've had a number of Experience Level advancements by folks who have been busy conducting surveys and learning how to identify fish. This list includes people from:
Take the challenge!
Conduct and submit 20 surveys this year and you'll have completed REEF's 20 in 2020 Challenge. You can do the surveys in any of REEF's worldwide regions, or combination thereof. Once you've submitted your surveys, you'll be sent a decal with the logo on it, and be entered into a grand prize drawing to be held at the end of the year. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition "20 in 2020 Challenge" rash guard.
REEF Experience Levels are a way for divers and snorkelers to measure their fish ID knowledge along with their surveying experience. With 5 levels in each of REEF's survey regions, divers are able to look forward to the next step and continually improve their skills. From brand new beginners up to the top Level 5 experience level, you'll find plenty of resources and friends to help you along the way.
Let's hear it for these REEF members who have improved and moved up a level this month!
Hawaii: (HAW)
We are happy to announce our 2019 Volunteers of the Year, Fred and Laura Hartner.
Fire up your computers and mobile devices! It's time for more of your favorite online REEF Fishinars, our special brand of free, interactive, live webinars. You can join us from your home, sitting in the car or coffeeshop, or anywhere you have an internet connection. More info about our Fishinars and how to register can be found here.