This month, REEF members worldwide are invited to participate in our first underwater photography contest! Members may submit one photo in each of six different categories including fish portrait, macro, invertebrates, REEF surveyor, lionfish/invasive species, and reefscape/habitat/environment. Submissions will be judged by three separate panels including professional photographers, REEF staff and board, and popular vote. Each judging panel will select a winning photo from each of the six categories, for a total of 18 winning photographs.

We are thrilled to share that we have reached our 2019 summer matching goal - to raise $70,000 to support REEF's citizen science, education, and research programs! So many REEF members stepped up to show their support for marine conservation, and we are so appreciative of your outstanding efforts. From all of us at REEF, thank you to everyone who contributed to our summer fundraising campaign, and a special thank you to the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, The Henry Foundation, and The Meyer Foundation who generously matched these gifts.

The holiday season is here, and that means cherished time with loved ones, plenty of celebrations, fun memories, and more. It can be tricky to choose the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family. We have the perfect solution!

Four-day Florida Keys event includes diving, snorkeling, kayak tours, ocean seminars, and socials

Now that our summer fundraising campaign has come to a close, we want to say a sincere thank you to all who made a gift to REEF. Because of your support, we were able to meet our goal and take advantage of our full donation match this summer. We are so thankful to The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, The Henry Foundation, and The Meyer Foundation for their generosity in matching donations.

REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs inspire people to make a difference and protect the oceans. We teach learners of all ages about marine biology, ecology, citizen science, and invasive species. To connect even more people with ocean conservation, REEF has partnered with several arts and humanities organizations to create programs and events that highlight connections between science and the arts.

REEF Director of Science, Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens, and Grouper Moon Scientists, Dr. Brice Semmens (NOAA) and Dr. Scott Heppell (Oregon State University), participated in the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) meeting last month in Guadeloupe. This annual meeting brings together scientists, fishermen, resource agency managers, and marine conservation organizations to present and discuss current topics and emerging findings on coral reef resources of the tropical western Atlantic waters.

Greetings REEF Members. This issue of REEF-in-Brief brings you updates on several of REEF's programs as well as announcements of upcoming events. Earlier this month, we launched a new lecture series, REEF Fish and Friends. These informative presentations will be held the second Tuesday of every month in the Florida Keys. Our invasive lionfish work has expanded to begin working with countries on the forefront of the invasion.

Working in close partnership, REEF, NOAA, and the USGS, have just completed the first field guide to non-native fishes in Florida. The 120 page publication documents the occurrences, identification and ecology of more than 35 non-native fish species found in Florida waters. Detailed sightings maps, notes on similar appearing species and information on native ranges are included. The goal of the publication is to provide a single source, field ready guide for enforcement as well as a reference for researchers and educators to aid in early detection and removal of non-native marine fish.

NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, in partnership with Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), will host an inaugural series of lionfish derbies starting in September. Divers who remove lionfish from sanctuary waters will be eligible for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.

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