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 that competed for cash and prizes to collect the most, largest and smallest lionfish. The winning team captured 111 lionfish during the single day event.
Last month, the launch of our 6th REEF survey region was a big success due to the combined efforts of our newest partners in American Samoa, and numerous volunteers and partners in the scientific community. Thanks to support from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and other donors, we were able to bring fish ID training workshops and surveying opportunities to over two dozen local participants on the main island of Tutuila.
REEF is excited to announce the revival of the Marine Conservation Internship Program at REEF Headquarters in Key Largo, Florida. The internship program was an important part of REEF's early history, with many past interns going on to have great careers in the field. Some have even spent time as REEF staff. The program was temporarily suspended a few years ago due to a lack of infrastructure. Thankfully, we have been able to bring the program back, providing significant benefits to both REEF and those who complete the program.
REEF Field Surveys offer a great introduction to fish identification for novice fishwatchers, and are a fun way for experienced surveyors to build their life list while interacting with fellow fishwatchers. The recent trip to Key Largo was no exception. REEF surveyors gathered in late August at Amoray Dive Resort for the Key Largo Field Survey and Coral Conservation trip. The trip was scheduled around the annual coral spawning that usually occurs in the Keys after the full moon of August.
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 snorkelers. Please bring your own snorkel gear (snorkel, mask and fins), dive slate, survey paper, towel, sunscreen, water and rashguard or wetsuit.
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 snorkelers. Please bring your own snorkel gear (snorkel, mask and fins), dive slate, survey paper, towel, sunscreen, water and rashguard or wetsuit.
Join Reef Watch Waikiki for a three hour class to learn how to identify and count fish by using the REEF survey method. The class includes instruction on how to complete a REEF survey followed by basic coral reef ecology, fish biology, identification tips, and specific information about different fish families.
After the class, gather your snorkel gear and join us for a REEF survey. You will learn how to conduct a thirty minute REEF survey to record the different species of fish and number of each fish.
Join Reef Watch Waikiki to learn how to identify fish using the REEF survey method. The class includes instruction on how to complete a REEF survey followed by basic coral reef ecology, fish biology, identification tips, and specific information about different fish families.
You do not need to bring anything to the class besides yourself. Lastly, to reach the 7th floor conference room, park on the 6th floor in a visitor spot and use the elevators on the 6th floor.
$2,417 per person double occupancy. Package Includes – 7 nights accommodations in an over-the-water bungalow, five days of 2-tanks dives, all meals at the picturesque Coral Lodge, and round trip transfers* from Panama City (airport code - PTY). *transfer times -- departing no later than 1:30pm from Panama City on June 9, departing no earlier than 7am from Coral Lodge on June 16. The transfer takes 2.5 hours between Panama City and Miramar and 30 minutes from Miramar and the Lodge.
Package Includes: Round trip Airport Transfers and all local taxes; 7 night standard double occupancy room accommodations at Safari Inn and 5 days of 2 tank boat dives at Aqua Safari. Note meals are on your own, but there are many excellent restaurants just a few steps away from the Inn.
$725 for Single Occupancy; $578 pp for Double Occupancy
+ $250 REEF Program Fee per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and survey materials, and data management.