Meet Jonathan Lavan, the 2012 Volunteer of the Year -- honored for his dedication to protecting marine environments through surveying fish and teaching fishinars!
The author deconstructs a recent scientific study published in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution that compares data collected by REEF surveyors with surveys collected by professional scientists.
Citizen science surveys compare well with traditional scientific methods when it comes to monitoring species biodiversity – according to new research from the University of East Anglia.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-03-marine-diversity-citizen-science.html#jCp
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2013-03-marine-diversity-citizen-science.html#jCp
2010 Our World Underwater Scholar and Grouper Moon researcher, Josh Stewart, recounts his time in the field studying the iconic Nassau Grouper as part of REEF's Grouper Moon Project. The article provides an overview of the research being done and why protecting the Nassau Grouper's spawning aggregations makes sense to ensure the future of the species.
An analysis of how overfishing is altering coral reefs around the world. The author, Grouper Moon researcher Josh Stewart, discusses the plight of aggregating species such as Nassau Grouper as one example and shares his experiences with research being conducted by REEF in the Cayman Islands.
A Humpback Grouper was recently captured off the Florida Keys. REEF's Lad Akins positively identifies the exotic fish, and encourages vigilant monitoring to prevent another invasive species.
Exploring the trend of travelers seeking to 'take a vacation that counts' and features REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Active REEF member, Dave Grenda, was interviewed for the piece, and he notes, "I've totally embraced the citizen scientist concept and devote entire summers to research diving." Written by Amanda Castleman.
Take a vacation that counts by participating in REEF's volunteer surveys!
The 2009 GAFC event in the Gulf of Maine proved to be the best yet. A record number of divers participated in the one day event, with 119 divers conducting 140 total dives. Forty-five different species of fish were documented.