This month, REEF is proud to highlight one of our outstanding Conservation Partners: Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire. REEF Conservation Partners are active organizations and dive shops dedicated to protecting marine environments. As valued REEF ambassadors, they teach fish ID classes, host survey dives, organize volunteer events and more. Read on to find out how you can get involved with these centers of conservation action!

With more than 80 partners across the country and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities to engage! You can see the full listing of Conservation Partners or register your business or organization as a REEF Conservation Partner here: www.REEF.org/conservation-partners.

Buddy Dive Resort

Located in Bonaire - the shore diving capital of the world - Buddy Dive Resort has spacious rooms and apartments, a complete dive center, swimming pools, restaurants, vehicle rental and the famous drive-thru tank fill station. Come not only to enjoy the beautiful resort itself, but also because at Buddy Dive, there are ample ways to get involved with REEF! Throughout the year, Buddy Dive hosts weekly lionfish courses, fish ID classes, and even a month-long Marine Life Education program hosted by Ned and Anna DeLoach, marine life authors and REEF Board of Trustee members. All dive staff at Buddy Dive are at least Level 2 REEF surveyors in the Tropical Western Atlantic, and you can join in the fun and attend guided fish ID dives and fish ID classes. You can even try your luck at a century dive by attempting to record 100 or more species on a single tank dive!

Conservation Actions – How can you get involved?

• Join Marine Life Education week and learn from fish identification experts Ned & Anna DeLoach, attend guided fish ID dives, and work to complete fish surveys with like-minded fish enthusiasts!
• Join a REEF Field Survey Trip! As a Conservation Partner, REEF regularly books Field Survey Trips to Buddy Dive, including a two weeklong trips later this summer! The schedule includes daily diving and marine life seminars. Visit www.REEF.org/trips for more information.
• Join a weekly Lionfish Course to learn about the lionfish invasion, and how to safely remove lionfish with Buddy Dive’s staff.
• Join a guided dive with one of Buddy Dive’s Fish ID specialists to learn about the abundant marine life in Bonaire, and work towards becoming a REEF Experience Level 2 Surveyor. You can study and take the test with Buddy Dive staff!

Why is conserving marine environments important to Buddy Dive?

We see the importance of conserving marine environments through being in contact with the ocean every single day. We must take actions and educate people about the importance of preserving and protecting such a fragile environment. We won't make it without healthy ocean ecosystems. We have to use this knowledge to help educate guests and encourage the conservation of marine environments!

more information on how you can get involved, visit Buddy Dive’s website or Facebook page.