Did you know that April is Citizen Science Month? Coordinated by SciStarter, Citizen Science Month helps raise awareness of opportunities for everyone to participate in science in meaningful ways. Citizen science is at the heart of REEF's work with the Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP). Since its launch in 1993, the VFSP has generated one of the largest marine life databases in the world. As of April 1, 2023, the REEF VFSP database has 281,606 surveys conducted at 16,189 sites throughout the world’s oceans, by 17,030 volunteer divers and snorkelers worldwide.
We are excited to share the 2024 REEF Field Survey Trips schedule! REEF Trips are led by marine life experts, and include diving, fish ID classes, and fun with friends. Divers, snorkelers, and families are welcome on REEF Trips. To find out more or book your space, email trips@REEF.org. We'll send you an invoice to submit a deposit to secure your space. For individual trip details and more info, please visit the links below.
Spring is here, and the REEF education team is hard at work teaching all ages about the ocean and marine conservation! REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs bring the ocean to life through online and in-person learning. Our programs include hands-on lessons and activities to teach participants of all ages and backgrounds about citizen science, ocean life, marine ecology and habitats, and most importantly, how we can make a difference. Here are some stats from REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs so far in 2023:
Ready, set, register... to join in the 4th annual REEF Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K! From June 5-11, REEF members and ocean enthusiast worldwide are getting active to support of ocean conservation. You can participate from anywhere, and choose your favorite activity - run, walk, hike, bike, or even swim! You can complete the 5K in one go, or break it up throughout the week. When you register for the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, you'll also choose to join one of five Fish Teams, including Emperor Angelfish, Clownfish, Hammerhead Shark, Spotted Eagle Ray, or Tiger Rockfish.
Did you know that the data collected by REEF surveyors are separated into two categories based on Experience Level: Novice and Expert? Once you reach Level 4 or 5 in a given survey region, you're considered an Expert surveyor for that region. You can even earn a special Expert Level surveyor Conservation Challenge sticker! Check out www.REEF.org/conservationchallenge for details.
April is Citizen Science Month, and we're gearing up for one of our biggest citizen science iniatives of the year - the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Held each July, the GAFC is an initiative to encourage divers and snorkelers to participate in the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project. This is a great way for anyone to get involved in citizen science and learn more about marine life by joining in ID classes and group dives.
REEF online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what's coming up this month:
Introducing our April Fish of the Month, the Giant Hawkfish, Cirrhitus rivulatus!
Survey Regions: Giant Hawkfish are found throughout REEF's Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) survey region. Click here to see REEF database reports for this species in each region: TEP.
Size: As the largest members of the hawkfish family, they can grow up to 2 feet long!
We are excited to share a new scientific paper published last month in the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes. This study, conducted by our Grouper Moon Project team, reports on the movement patterns and spawning behavior of Tiger Grouper during their reproductive season, helping to shed light on an important, but poorly studied, member of Caribbean coral reef ecosystems.