As part of a current REEF training project in the Pacific Northwest that is funded by The Russell Family Foundation, regional REEF instructor, Janna Nichols, has organized free training sessions around the region in order to enlist new divers into the Volunteer Survey Project. The TRFF project also includes funding for periodic boat dives that are open to active REEF surveyors in order to provide opportunities and incentive for existing REEF surveyors to stay involved and increase their surveyor skill level.
Pacific Northwest diver and REEF surveyor, Nick Brown, recently discovered the invasive tunicate, Ciona savignyi, during a dive in the San Juan Islands in Washington. This was the first record of the unwanted species in the San Juans. Nick learned about the invasive tunicate, and two other species that are monitored by REEF surveyors in the Pacific Northwest, during a recent REEF training seminar taught by Janna Nichols. Volunteer divers are serving an important role in the early detection and removal of invasive tunicates in the Pacific Northwest.
World-renowned authors/photographers, Anna and Ned DeLaoch will be giving presentation about reef fish and creature identification, their behaviors, and underwater environmental concerns as well as contests and fishy gifts. The participates will also learn how to do a REEF fish survey and about REEF programs.
Bonnie Greenberg recently joined REEF as the office manager. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience in non-profit management and entrepreneurship: including work with Marathon Community Theatre, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys , director of marketing with a family business in Pennsylvania and a few years working as a journalist for local media. She likes to snorkel, sail, spend time with friends, read great books now and then, and create a good meal.
Just before the holidays, REEF was saddened to learn of the passing of long-time volunteer and friend, Chile Ridley of Bonaire. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, especially his wife, Linda. The following article by Buddy Stockwell was published in the Caribbean Compass.
On Saturday, February 9, REEF will host an ocean-themed dinner and auction at Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive Resort to raise awareness about REEF in the Florida Keys community and help conserve local coral reef ecosystems. Underwater photographers Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach will present new images of sea life taken on their worldwide dive travels. A silent and live auction will offer prizes from local businesses and travel to destinations including Bonaire and Papua New Guinea. Tickets are $75 each and include buffet dinner, open bar and dancing.
WHAT:
On Saturday, February 9, REEF will host an ocean-themed dinner and auction at Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive Resort to help conserve Florida Keys coral reef ecosystems. Underwater photographers Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach will present new images of sea life. A silent and live auction will offer prizes from local businesses and travel to destinations including Bonaire and Papua New Guinea. Tickets are $75 each and include buffet dinner, open bar and dancing.
Please join The Reef Environmental Education Foundation
for an evening of food, friends and fun as we celebrate our shared love of the sea
and concern for its conservation.
