REEF Into the Blue Book Club will discuss our latest book selection, Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World's Most Misunderstood Predator by David Shiffman.
All are invited to join in this meeting, whether you have read the book or not. For more details about Into the Blue Book Club, visit www.REEF.org/bookclub.
This meeting will be led by Hilary Penner, REEF Education and Conservation Programs Manager, and Carolyn Corley, REEF Education Coordinator.
Welcome to the Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to celebrate those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Here are achievements from April, May, and June, 2024.
Juvenile Hamlet Award
The Juvenile Hamlet Award is for individuals who have conducted 500+ REEF surveys. Congratulations to our latest Juvenile Hamlet Club members:
Monday, August 12 - Key Dives, 85960 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 *New Location*
Wednesday, August 14 - Looe Key Reef Resort, 27340 Overseas hwy, Ramrod Key, FL 33042
The charming island of Nevis is known for its quiet villages, lush green mountains, and tranquil beaches. Nevis is separated from its sister island, St. Kitts, by a two-mile stretch of water known as the Narrows, home to interesting marine life like barracudas, eagle rays, and other fish. The leeward and windward sides of the island have plenty of variety including reefs, wrecks, and volcanic vents to explore. The picturesque topside scenery of this quaint Caribbean island makes this the ideal destination for both divers and non-divers to enjoy.
Dive into citizen science this summer by joining in the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Every July, divers and snorkelers are invited to participate in this initiative to learn about marine life and conduct REEF surveys as part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Individuals and groups can organize their own GAFC events, from survey dives to fish ID classes. Some even add to the fun by offering prizes, hosting socials, and more!
In October 2022, a group of REEF surveyors found and photographed the rare, endemic Fork-bar Blenny, Starksia y-lineata, during a REEF Field Survey Trip to Grand Cayman. Trip leader and REEF Education Manager Madalyn "Moose" Mussey initially found the fish while diving at Sunset House. She also captured the first live photograph of the species, pictured above.
Join the New England Aquarium Dive Club for the 21st Northeast Great Annual Fish Count, the largest fish survey event in North America!
Survey fish to win outstanding prizes and help collect important data for marine conservation research. Following the dives, gather for a celebration where there will be a picnic, group photo, and raffle.
There are multiple dive locations. Pre-registration is required.
Post-dive celebration: Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA, 11:00am - 4pm. $8 donation for lunch.
For this Great Annual Fish Count event, gather at the beautiful John D. MacArthur Beach State Park for a REEF fish survey dive or snorkel! After the survey, feel free to stick around for a light lunch provided by the park!
Morning check-in for the survey dive/snorkel is at 8:00am - 8:15am at the outdoor ampitheater located inside the park.
Please bring your own dive/snorkel gear and survey supplies.
This week, hundreds of ocean lovers from all over the world are getting active in support of marine conservation by participating in the fifth annual REEF Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K. The 5K kicked off on World Ocean Day on June 8, and continues through June 15. Participants can choose their favorite exercise - walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, or even paddling. If you haven't registered, it's not too late to join in! You can complete your 5K at your own pace this week, and participate from anywhere in the world.
As summer approaches, we are gearing up to host two of our biggest annual conservation events later this year. We hope you can join us in the Florida Keys for one or both of these events. Whether you're a diver, snorkeler, or land-based ocean lover, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
