Join Reef Watch Waikiki for a REEF Snorkel Survey. The survey will last approximately 30-45 minutes and involve identifying, counting and recording reef fish observed in the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District. Those wishing to participate in the survey should have already completed a REEF Fish ID Class and should be strong swimmers and competent snorkelres. Please bring your own snorkel gear (snorkel, mask and fins), dive slate, survey paper, towel, sunscreen, water and rashguard or wetsuit.
Join Reef Watch Waikik for a REEF Fish Identification Class. The class includes instruction on how to complete a REEF survey followed by basic coral reef ecology, fish biology, identification tips, and common characterisitics of different fish families found in Hawaii. After being trained, you can conduct a REEF survey anywhere on Oahu (but we hope you'll help us out in Waikiki once in a while!). You do not need to bring anything to the class.
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Join Reef Watch Waikiki for a REEF Fish Identification Class. The class includes instruction on how to complete a REEF survey followed by basic coral reef ecology, fish biology, identification tips, and common characterisitics of different fish families found in Hawaii. After being trained, you can conduct a REEF survey anywhere on Oahu (but we hope you'll help us out in Waikiki once in a while!). You do not need to bring anything to the class.
Greetings!
While fall used to be a slower time here at REEF, this year we are busier than ever. In addition to working with scientists to get them up-to-date species data and continuing to coordinate and expand the citizen science Fish Survey Project to new regions, the REEF staff is involved in a variety of marine conservation issues including the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean and associated waters and endangered species spawning aggregation research. This issue of REEF-in-Brief features updates from several of these programs.
As the spread and impact of the invasive Indo-Pacific red lionfish explodes in the western Atlantic region, REEF continues to take a lead in addressing this complex environmental issue. In addition to extensive outreach and education efforts, REEF staff is involved in several field research projects to study the ecological impact of this voracious predator. REEF is also coordinating regional response efforts. In partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), NOAA, Mexico and France, REEF helped fund and organize the first Regional Lionfish Strategy Workshop in August.
Approximately 100 divers collected 534 Indo-Pacific red lionfish during the first tournament dedicated to reducing the population of the invasive species in the Florida Keys waters.
The September 11 tournament in Key Largo, organized by REEF and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, is the first of three Keys-based lionfish roundups. The event attracted 27 teams which competed for cash and prizes to collect the most, largest and smallest lionfish.
Attention Tropical Western Atlantic fishwatchers -- the Neon Goby has been split into two species. The original Neon Goby, Elactinus oceanops, retains the common name and is geographically known only from So. Florida and Flower Gardens and Alacran reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. This goby can be distinguished by the bright neon blue stripe from snout to tail with a sharp blue-against-black edge.
Earlier this month, REEF auctioned five pre-release, signed and numbered copies of the Tropical Pacific edition of Reef Creature Identification by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach. The authors donated to REEF the first five pre-release copies of this spectacular book, which is set to be released in mid-November.
Lionfish Derby T-Shirt Available Through REEF Store - The special edition Florida Keys Lionfish Derby T-shirts are available through the store while supplies last. Check out the REEF Store today for REEF gear, survey supplies, books, and more.