If you are a REEF surveyor in the Tropical Western Atlantic, you are probably familiar with the Peacock Flounder (Bothus lunatus). And if you spend much time in the sand, you probably even know about the smaller Eyed Founder (Bothus ocellatus)? But how about the Spiny Flounder (Engyophrys senta)? Danielle Calini, an Our World Underwater Scholar who spent this summer as an intern at REEF HQ in Key Largo, was one of several REEF surveyors who recently came across this rarely seen species during a dive on Molasses Reef.
Active REEF surveyor and Advanced Assessment Team member, Patti Chandler and her husband Scott, recently found a new fish species for Bonaire! Scott and Patti, of ReefNet, were in Bonaire as presenters for the Second Annual Fish ID Challenge. Nearing the end of a lengthy night dive on Bari Reef over sand, in 10 feet of water, something very strange was illuminated by their video lights catching Scott and Patti's eyes. It was a clear fish,1 inch in length, with a rounded tail, and large pectoral fins that practically encircled it, giving it an appearance of wearing a tutu with yellow dots.
REEF's Pacific Northwest Advanced Assessment Team (AAT) gathered in mid-August to survey fish and invertebrate life in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS). Twelve divers conducted over 120 REEF surveys in the week-long project on Washington's northwest coastline, gathering data to add to the previous 7 year's worth that the project has generated. Twelve sites were surveyed by the divers. The Sanctuary is home to many colorful fish and invertebrates and is a popular spot for sport diving.
The 2009 GAFC event in the Gulf of Maine proved to be the best yet. A record number of divers participated in the one day event, with 119 divers conducting 140 total dives. Forty-five different species of fish were documented.
Members of the Jacksonville Reef Research Team conducted REEF surveys on a newly deployed artificial reef off the northeast coast of Florida. The surveys coincided with REEF's Great Annual Fish Count.
New educational DVD/Book sets added to the REEF store! - These beautiful materials can help start grooming future generations of REEF surveyors and create good stewards of the environment. Perfect gifts and ideal for use in the classroom. The Dive Into Your Imagination by Annie Crawley entertains and educates children about the amazing natural world in the oceans. The DVDs are all bilingual and you can choose English or Spanish narration or a special track featuring just the music.
Greetings REEF Friends,
Summer is now in full swing! Thank you to everyone who donated during our Summer Fundraising Campaign last month. While we didn't quite make our goal of raising $30k in 30 days, we came close. The offer by our Board of Trustees to match incoming donations is still open so it's not too late to double your impact to help support REEF’s critical marine conservation work. Donate Today through our secure online donation form.
The Volunteer Survey Project is at the center of REEF's citizen science programs. It provides thousands of divers and snorkelers the opportunity to contribute information on the status and biodiversity of ocean populations. The Survey Project also serves as a training opportunity in many formal and informal education programs. In this issue of REEF-in-Brief, we feature high school students on both sides of the US who are learning first hand how to conduct fish surveys and analyze their results.
Team Dive aboard the Native Diver
Event Description: GAFC Beginning Fish ID Training Seminar at Oceanica Adventure Center. Learn the names of Pacific's fishes at a FREE fish ID seminar by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, Oceanica REEF Station and individual Marine Biologyst. Also learn how to conduct REEF surveys during any snorkel or dive. Participants will receive a FREE dive and snorkelers will receive 10% discount in our tours during the month of July.