Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
This past week marked the 21st year of the Grouper Moon Project, a highly successful conservation science collaboration between REEF and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DOE) to study one of the largest and last known spawning aggregations of endangered Nassau Grouper in the Caribbean.
During winter full moons, thousands of Nassau Grouper gather in one location to spawn, and our field research team conducted daily dives on a Nassau Grouper spawning aggregation off the west end of Little Cayman. We documented the number and size of fish gathered at the aggregation by using a variety of methods including stero-video, tag counts, and video pans. Preliminary modeling results suggest that more than 8,000 Nassau Grouper visited this year's aggregation, which is a fourfold increase since 2010!
We also assessed the Nassau Grouper spawning aggregation on Cayman Brac and maintained autonomous monitoring equipment deployed at aggregation locations throughout the Cayman Islands, including acoustic receivers and hydrographic instruments, which are used to document conditions at the sites year-round. By the end of the week, the Nassau Groupers had finished spawning and were observed returning to their home reefs around Little Cayman. Meanwhile, our team continued to visit the aggregation site to monitor Tiger and Yellowfin Grouper spawning, and to collect larvae to be used for various research projects. To connect Caymanian students with the project, our education team also hosted live-from-the-field webchats with local classrooms. These are archived and available for viewing on the REEF YouTube channel.
Since 2002, a team of REEF and DOE researchers, educators, and partners from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Oregon State University have studied the Nassau Grouper spawning aggregations in the Cayman Islands. Research findings from the Grouper Moon Project have supported science-based legislation passed by the Cayman Islands government in 2016, and serve a blueprint for other conservation efforts in the region. Funding is provided by REEF members, and several foundations. Many volunteers and others have helped in the field through the years. Generous logistical and financial support is provided every year by Caymanian businesses and locals, especially Peter Hillenbrand, Little Cayman Beach Resort, Reef Divers, and Southern Cross Club. We also appreciate continued support from Berkley White and Backscatter, and Marissa Wiganowske and Pegasus Thusters.
Visit www.REEF.org/groupermoonproject to see links to videos and photos, and to read about the scientific publications and legislative actions that have been informed by this work.
Author: Amy Lee, Communications and Engagement Manager
This year is off to an exciting (and jetsetting) start for the REEF team, as two of our staff recently traveled to Tasmania, the southernmost state in Australia, to present at various scientific conferences. First, REEF Co-Executive Director Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., attended the International Temperate Reefs Symposium. Christy and her husband Dr. Brice Semmens, a frequent REEF scientific collaborator, both gave presentations at the conference, which hosted scientists from around the world who study kelp forests and rocky reefs. Christy presented on REEF's work to study temperate reef species in the Salish Sea and the potential effects of climate change, and Brice discussed how marine protected areas and other environmental factors are affecting larval rockfish species.
Several weeks later, REEF Conservation Science Manager Alli Candelmo, Ph.D., attended the National Centrostephanus Workshop, a meeting to share information and shape management priorities for long-spined sea urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii, an invasive species that has decimated reefs and kelp habitat in Tasmania. Alli was part of a panel on invasive species management, where she shared insights about invasive lionfish control and management throughout Florida.
Outside of their conference obligations, Christy and Alli both got the chance to go diving in Tasmania, and were lucky to see Weedy Sea Dragons! These unique fish are related to seahorses, and are found in kelp forests, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds on the southern coast of Australia. We're proud that Alli and Christy were able to represent REEF at both of these events in Tasmania, and look forward to continuing to grow our scientific impact in the coming year.
Photo by Christy Semmens.
Author: The REEF Team
REEF programs use citizen science to engage and inspire the public, while improving our understanding of ocean creatures and habitats. Members like you are a critical part of this work, and we are so thankful for the generosity of all who have made a donation to REEF this winter. Your financial support helped us to start this year off strongly. If you have not yet contributed, will you consider making a donation now to support our ocean conservation work? You can visit www.REEF.org/donate to contribute securely online.
It's also the last chance to get this limited edition print of a Crosshatch Triggerfish, photographed in the Galapagos Islands by REEF Co-Founder Paul Humann. Donate $250 or more before the end of the month, and we’ll send you a copy of this 11"x14" signed and numbered print to hang in your home. If you have already given to REEF this winter, please know that we are very thankful! We are so appreciative of your support, this winter and always. We couldn't do it without you!
Author: Stacey Henderson, Program Services Coordinator
You can still sign up for a REEF Field Survey Trip this year! Limited space is available on upcoming 2023 trips. Visit the links below to learn more about each trip, and when you're ready to book, email trips@REEF.org. When you join a REEF Trip, you'll learn about marine life, collect important citizen science data to help study and protect the oceans, and meet others who are interested in conservation. Spaces are filling up fast, so we suggest booking as soon as possible! Be sure to also keep an eye out for our 2024 Field Survey Trip schedule, which is coming soon!
Fiji – March 18-28, 2023 – one space available
iji's stunning underwater scenery makes for unforgettable diving on the Nai'a liveaboard, with colorful soft corals, schools of trevally and barracuda, and and even unusual creatures like the Leaf Scorpionfish and Ornate Ghost Pipefish. Click here for details.
Guanaja – April 1-8, 2023 - one male share available
Located in the Bay Islands of Honduras, Cabañas on Clark’s Cay are situated on an island oasis with incredible seascapes. Click here for details.
Saba - April 22-29, 2023
From shallow patch reefs to deepwater seamounts, Saba has something to offer all types of divers. Enjoy daily dives with Sea Saba Dive Center and accommodations at Juliana’s Hotel, a locally owned property nestled in the lush hillside. Click here for details.
Solomon Islands - May 6-16, 2023 - three spaces available
The Solomon Islands are one of the most intact and biologically rich oceanic archipelagos on Earth, with stunning reefs teeming with all kinds of fish. Explore this amazingly diverse area on the Bilikiki liveaboard. Click here for details.
Cayman Brac - May 20-27, 2023
Cayman Brac Beach Resort is a diver and snorkeler's paradise. This island has walls, reefs, and swim-throughs, plus two wrecks to explore. Click here for details.
Red Sea - July 6-16, 2023
The Red Sea in Egypt is filled with a diverse array of radiant corals, schooling pelagic species, and plentiful marine life, all easily explored during this 10-night trip on the Grand Sea Explorer liveaboard. Click here for details.
Roatan - July 15-22, 2023
Enjoy two daily boat trips and unlimited shore diving at CoCo View’s front yard reef, where more than 300 fish species have been recorded. Click here for details.
Southern Baja - Sept. 29-Oct. 6
This special Southern Safari charter aboard the Rocio del Mar is only offered by request and provides a chance to experience the unique rocky reefs and pinnacle dive sites of southern Baja including Espirtu Santo, Los Islotes, and more. Click here for details.
Curacao - Nov. 4-11, 2023
Rated as one of the top 10 diving destinations by Scuba Diving Magazine readers in 2022, Curacao is an excellent spot for divers and snorkelers. Enjoy boat dives and shore diving with Ocean Encounters, plus stunning tropical views. Click here for details.
Author: Hilary Penner, Education and Conservation Programs Manager
REEF is committed to using our programs, platform, and voice to support foundational change in marine conservation. In 2020, we launched the Oceans for All initiative, which includes a a pooled scholarship fund dedicated to supporting the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in marine conservation, and to help communities and individuals cultivate connections with the marine environment, regardless of zip code.
This spring, you can join us in celebrating the voices and experiences of diverse people who are making an impact in marine conservation. Keep an eye on our social media to see highlights, and mark your calendars for “Science on the Spectrum: Exploring Neurodivergent Experiences in Science" on Thursday, March 16 at 8 pm Eastern Time. This virtual event will feature a panel of neurodivergent scientists coming together to discuss and share their professional journeys. On Wednesday, May 24, at 8 pm Eastern Time we'll host "Oceans for All: Diverse Experiences in Marine Conservation." This webinar, in its second year, will feature a panel of marine conservation professionals from equity-deserving groups, who will highlight career paths for aspiring young people and emerging leaders. Both programs aim to nurture a culture of belonging and inclusion for the next generation of ocean stewards.
Individuals, businesses, and foundations committed to investing in a more equitable future for marine conservation may donate to the Oceans for All Fund, which supports activities like:
• Educational sessions provided at no cost to participants, including Discovery Programs and Virtual Field Trips
• Programming for organizations and schools, engagement and learning opportunities from elementary to high school students
• REEF Marine Conservation Interns and Fellows receiving monthly stipends and free housing
To learn more, visit www.REEF.org/oceans-for-all.
Author: Katie Barnes, Communications and Engagement Fellow
REEF online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what's coming up this month:
Fishinar: Bring on the Blennies!
Tuesday, February 21, 8pm EST
Click here to register.
Do those small, tube-dwelling, goggle-eyed blennies boggle your brain? Learn how to tell the differences between some of the most common blennies in the Tropical Western Atlantic region, and where to find them.
Science on the Spectrum
Thursday, March 16, 8pm EDT
Click here to register.
This special session will highlight neurodiversity as speakers share their unique experiences and how their perspective shaped their careers in science. We hope that attendees will gain a better understanding and increased awareness of the experiences of these individuals, and insight into how to support neurodivergent friends and coworkers.
Author: Katie Barnes, Communications and Engagement Fellow
The Conservation Challenge is a fun way to earn collectible stickers while participating in marine conservation and citizen science. There are a variety of stickers to collect, and this month, we're highlighting two challenges: the Fishinars Challenge and the 30 for 30 Challenge! All you have to do to earn the Fishinars sticker is attend a REEF online program, or watch an archived session. Visit www.REEF.org/fishinars to see all upcoming programs as well as our archive of more than 200 sessions. The 30 for 30 Challenge is a new challenge to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project! To complete the 30 for 30 Challenge and earn this special sticker, conduct and submit 30 or more REEF surveys in 2023. Read more about the Conservation Challenge at www.REEF.org/conservationchallenge. Stay tuned through the year as we highlight new Conservation Challenges!
Author: Amy Lee, Communications and Engagement Manager
REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.
This month, we're excited to introduce Katie Barnes, Alexis Kuhre Haag and Dylan Heppell (from L-R), who are participating in the Marine Conservation Fellows Program. Katie is a Communications and Engagement Fellow, Alexis is an Education and Outreach Fellow, and Dylan is a Conservation Science Fellow. REEF Marine Conservation Fellows gain in-depth experience in a specific area while working closely with a REEF staff mentor. They also help provide training and support for Marine Conservation Interns, and gain skills in nonprofit management and operations. Read on to learn more about Alexis and Dylan below, and you can also check out Katie's profile in our October 2022 e-News by clicking here.
Alexis Kuhre Haag was a REEF Marine Conservation Intern in fall 2022, and she is so excited to continue her journey at REEF this year! Alexis graduated from Ohio University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in specialized studies, combining environmental studies and sociology, and a geography minor. She was raised in a family of avid environmental activists, and has carried that instilled love of the environment to marine conservation. She was a counselor for a summer camp serving kids ages 6-11, where she planned activities and field trips to help them learn about environmental issues facing Appalachia, such as acid mine drainage. She became more focused on marine conservation while visiting Forfar Field Station on Andros Island in The Bahamas on two occasions - a weeklong program in with her university, and the second a six-week program the following summer, where she earned certifications like Wilderness First Aid, Sea Kayaking, PADI Advanced Open Water, and Leave No Trace. In college, she served as the Ohio University Student Director for the Sugar Bush Foundation, an organization that helps the local community and Ohio University by funding projects to promote sustainable development in Southeastern Ohio and Appalachia. She has also worked with Zero Waste Event Productions, helping to divert waste at large festivals and events in the region. She also worked with Ohio University’s Office of Sustainability, where she shared information about how students can become involved with the Sustainability Ambassadors, a campus student organization.
Dylan Heppell graduated from Oregon State University in the spring of 2022 with an Honors B.S. in environmental sciences with a specialization in aquatic biology. He loves everything related to the ocean, and being in, on, or near the water. Dylan grew up with two marine biologists for parents so his love for the ocean was engrained at an early age. He is returning to Key Largo after having spent a month at REEF in 2019 working with Dr. Alli Candelmo on the Invasive Species Program. Dylan is thrilled to be able to now spend an entire year in the Keys as a Fellow at REEF. He became a certified diver during a family vacation in Hawaii in 2017, and since then he has completed his advanced open water, rescue diver, and nitrox certifications through OSU. In the summer of 2021, Dylan worked as an intern at Pacific Seafood Group on freshwater conservation projects in their shrimp processing operations. His ideas, presented to the heads of the company, have the potential to save 35 million gallons of water each year at the Pacific Shrimp processor in Newport, Oregon. In 2022, Dylan had the opportunity to join the REEF Grouper Moon team in the Cayman Islands, where he assisted with logistics like camera and equipment management, and data collection on the aggregation site. In his free time, Dylan enjoys hiking, sports (especially soccer), diving, and fishing. He is very excited to help advance REEF's conservation science work during his Fellowship!
We are thrilled to have Alexis, Dylan, and Katie with us this year!
Author: The REEF Team
Introducing our February Fish of the Month, the Longhorn Sculpin, Myoxocephalus octodecemspinosus
Survey Regions: They are found from Virginia to Newfoundland, in REEF's Northeast US and Canada (NE) region. Click here to see a distribution report for this species.
Size: They can grow to about 18 inches (46 cm) in length but are generally 10-14 inches.
Identifying Features: Longhorn Sculpins have a large head and a slender, elongated body. Their body coloration can vary from dark olive to pale green, yellow, or brown. They have three to four wide dark bars running down their sides. They also have large eyes, fanlike pectoral fins, two separate dorsal fins and a small tail fin. Many of their fins are covered in dark bands or stripes. Their skull is covered with numerous sharp spines, the longest of which starts at their cheek and goes as far back as the edge of their gill cover.
Fun Facts: Longhorn Sculpins are found in harbors and shallow coastal waters during the warmer months, and migrate to deeper waters during winter. They spawn from November to February, and lay green, red, or brown eggs are laid on finger sponges. They may live up to ten years or more!
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Andrew Martinez.