Author: The REEF Team
Our annual summer fundraising match is underway! Now through August 8, all donations to REEF are matched dollar for dollar, up to $70,000! You can make a donation securely online at www.REEF.org/donate. When you give to REEF, you are supporting citizen science, education, and research to protect the marine environment and connect people to our oceans. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to have our donation doubled! As a special thank you, donors who give $250 or more will receive a limited-edition set of marine life notecards, featuring five fish images, photographed by REEF Co-Founder Ned DeLoach. Thank you for your support this summer!
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
We are excited to share the latest scientific paper from the Grouper Moon Project. The study, published last month in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, addresses the question of where fertilized eggs go after being released by Nassau Grouper at their spawning site off the west end of Little Cayman. This study used state-of-the-art technology, including satelite-tracked drifters, an underwater microscope, and a glider to raise and lower the instruments. While reproductive success and the final destination of the grouper eggs can vary from year to year, the results highlight how local conservation measures by the Cayman Island government to protect Nassau Grouper are boosting local populations, and providing spillover benefits to neighboring islands. It is also an example of the power of collaboration, a key component to the conservation success story of the Grouper Moon Project. Scientists from several departments at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UC San Diego) led the work, who were assisisted by REEF's Grouper Moon field team and supported in the field by the Cayman Islands Department of Environment vessels and crew.
On spawning nights in 2017, researchers physically tracked clouds of tiny, transparent Nassau Grouper eggs with an underwater microscope developed by scientists at Scripps Oceanography. Results show that fertilized eggs from Little Cayman floated back onto reefs on the island. Drawing on these direct observations and ocean current data collected on spawning nights at Little Cayman in previous years, the authors also used a computer model to investigate where the fertilized eggs likely went in 2011 and 2016. The model predicted that many of the baby Nassau Grouper ended up back at Little Cayman in 2011, a suggestion that dovetails with prior research (see here), showing that the 2011 reproductive season led to a massive population increase around Little Cayman (see here). For 2016, the model predicted that currents carried some fertilized eggs to the nearby island of Grand Cayman.
To learn more about the Grouper Moon Project, visit www.REEF.org/groupermoonproject. To read more about this study, check out this Scripps Oceanography article about the work.
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
We are thrilled to share that Chuck and Kara Curry are our 2022 REEF Volunteers of the Year. Chuck joined REEF in 2013, and Kara joined a few years later in 2016, after meeting Chuck during a dive trip to Cuba. Since then, they have both joined the ranks as some of the top surveyors for the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Collectively, they have submitted over 2,500 surveys in the VFSP database. In 2022 alone, they conducted 448 surveys. Unsurprisingly, Chuck and Kara have both achieved the coveted Golden Hamlet award for submitting over 1,000 surveys.
They are both Expert Level surveyors in multiple regions, including the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA), Hawaii (HAW), Central Indo-Pacific (CIP), and South Pacific (SOP). Chuck is also a Level 5 surveyor in the US/Canada Pacific Coast (PAC) region. While they conduct REEF surveys while scuba diving, they are also avid surveyors while snorkeling and freediving as well. In addition to their huge contributions to the VFSP database, they are always happy to share their extensive fish ID knowledge with others, whether it's on a REEF Trip, on REEF's Facebook ID groups, by helping write new REEF Fish ID Curricula, or through teaching a REEF Fishinar.
Beyond their role as citizen scientists, they are also generous financial supporters of REEF. Thank you Chuck and Kara for your incredible dedication and service to REEF's mission. We are honored to celebrate you as our 2022 Volunteers of the Year. To read more about Chuck and Kara, check out their 'Faces of REEF' profiles here and here. Click here to see profiles of all past REEF Volunteers of the Year.
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
The Grouper Moon Project is a conservation science partnership between REEF, and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DoE), with scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and Oregon State University, aimed at studying endangered Nassau grouper, a social and ecological corner stone of Caribbean's coral reefs. In 2011, REEF and DoE created the Grouper Education Program, a suite of marine science lessons and activities to accompany the Grouper Moon Project. Since then, over 2,800 students have participated in this unique program, learning the economic, ecological, and cultural importance of Nassau Grouper as a top predator on Caribbean coral reefs. A highlight of the program is the annual series of live-feed sessions with the Grouper Moon research team while they are in the field on Little Cayman.
Last month, REEF educator and curriculum designer Todd Bohannon visited Grand Cayman to begin the process of updating this curriculum to more closely align with the new Cayman Islands National Curriculum, with the goal of having the Grouper Education Program curriculum be adopted by the Ministry of Education. During this trip, Todd visited 10 schools on Grand Cayman and met with teachers and administrators. He also spent time in the classroom, sharing the latest from the Grouper Moon Project with the students. The information gathered will help inform our efforts and ensure that the lessons address all required learning targets for Caymanian schools. While these efforts are focused on reaching Caymanian students, the Grouper Education Program materials can be used in any classroom! If you are an educator interested in learning more, visit www.REEFE.org/grouper-moon-education-program-resources.
Author: Amy Lee, Communications and Engagement Manager
REEF Fest is happening on October 19-22, 2023 in Key Largo, Florida, and you're invited to join us! This annual celebration of marine conservation includes ocean seminars, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, socials and more. Registration is open now, and you can see all the details and sign up here. We are excited to welcome some amazing guest speakers at REEF Fest this year, including:
- Dr. John Claydon, Executive Director, Integrated Marine Biosphere Research, who will discuss seafood mislabeling and the impact this has on grouper conservation.
- Alex Troutman, NOAA Knauss Fellow with the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program, who will share stories of his work in the field, while highlighting the importance of providing accessible ocean experiences and connections for historically-excluded and marginalized communities.
- Martin Russell, Manager, Coral Sea Marine Park, Australia, who will talk about management, research, and protections for the the pristine reefs and islands of Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park.
- Jason Belport, Underwater Photographer, who will share a firsthand account of the challenges and hopes for the marine ecosystems of the Cayman Islands, as well as a photographic journey from dive travels around the world.
- Christy Semmens, Ph.D., REEF Co-Executive Director: Science and Engagement, and Brice Semmens, Ph.D., Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who will celebrate of three decades of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, and share updates on REEF's conservation science work.
Read more about our seminar speakers and check out their talk summaries here. We hope you can join us for what is sure to be a fun-filled weekend of learning and exploring in the Florida Keys!
Author: Amy Lee, Communications and Engagement Manager
Exotic and invasive species are those that are not native to an area, but have been brought in through human activities. Non-native marine fishes can pose a major threat to fisheries, habitats, native species, and overall ecosystem function. The REEF Invasive Species Program uses conservation science, research, education, and community outreach to raise awareness about these threats. Here are four ways you can get involved:
Report Your Sightings: Recreational divers and snorkelers notice rare and unusual fish species, and often know what doesn't belong. Anyone who sees a non-native marine fish species (including but not limited to invasive lionfish) is encouraged to submit a report using REEF's Exotic Species Sightings Form. If you are a REEF surveyor, you can also report any non-natives you see when you conduct a fish survey.
Participate in the Florida Keys Lionfish Sweeps: Removing lionfish from local reefs regularly can help protect native fish species and maintain a balanced ecosystem. Now through June 30, divers and snorkelers may participate in the Florida Keys Lionfish Sweeps by removing invasive lionfish for a chance to win cash and raffle prizes. Harvested lionfish are also donated to REEF Education and Outreach Programs, helping to educate the public about invasive species! Click here for more info.
Join in the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival on Sept. 7-10: REEF's 14th annual event will include two full days of lionfish hunting, followed by a family-friendly festival at picturesque Postcard Inn Resort & Marina. The festival is open to the public and will include lionfish scoring, cooking, fillet and dissection demos, lionfish tastings, lionfish games and crafts, raffle prizes, drink specials, and booths from environmentally-minded vendors. You can register a team to compete in the derby, or simply plan to attend the festival. Check out www.REEF.org/derby for all the details.
Stay Informed: Invasive lionfish known as the first successful marine fish invasion, but there's a new non-native species in town. Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Regal Demoiselle, Neopomacentrus cyanomos, is a part of the damselfish family. First reported as an exotic species in the Gulf of Mexico in 2016, it has since been reported in Florida. It is important to track the spread of this species to understand the impacts it may have on native ecosystems. REEF members in the Tropical Western Atlantic are encouraged to be on the lookout for the Regal Demoiselle. Check out this page for more info.
Author: Alexis Kuhre Haag, Education and Outreach Fellow
Education is typically thought of as taking place in a classroom, but through the REEF Ocean Explorers Education Program, learning can happen in unexpected places - like music festivals, craft breweries, and art classes! As a Marine Conservation Intern last fall, and in my current role as Education & Outreach Fellow, I have many opportunities to participate in public education, community outreach, and events. Community outreach is important for REEF because it enables us to connect with a wide range of audiences, including different age groups, backgrounds, and interests. Attending events helps REEF reach and inspire more people with our marine conservation mission. These people include individuals and groups who would not otherwise know about REEF, or have the chance to connect with conservation. In the past ten months alone, REEF has engaged with more than 3,000 individuals at community events in the Florida Keys.
Last fall, we participated in the annual "Trunk or Treat" at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where we talked to families and children about some of the spookiest creatures in the sea. REEF interns also teach free weekly fish ID presentations for Pennekamp guests and tourists, some of whom are visiting the Florida Keys for the first time. Many of these people then go on a snorkel trip or glass bottom boat tour at the coral reef. This spring, we took part in the Conservation Village at Tortuga Music Festival in Ft. Lauderdale, where we had an interactive booth with a trivia wheel, games, and educational activities about invasive lionfish, and we're looking forward to a summer filled with even more community engagement. My experiences at REEF have taught me that there are opportunities for education all around us, even in places you may not expect!
Author: Amy Lee, Communications and Engagement Manager
We are excited to welcome our Summer 2023 Marine Conservation Interns to REEF! They will assist with education, outreach, events, and daily operations around the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. Pictured from left to right are Carolyn Corley, Shalini Thinakaran, and Brian Chansky. Here's a bit more about them:
Carolyn Corley graduated in May 2023 from the University of San Diego with a B.S. in environmental and ocean sciences and minors in biology and environmental studies and policy. As a scuba diver, competitive swimmer, lifeguard, swim instructor, and marine biology student, Carolyn's life has always revolved around being in the water. In July 2021, she traveled to Utila, Honduras to intern for the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center where she gained experience working for an NGO, assisted with fish and coral reef monitoring, and helped with invasive lionfish removal and data collection. She returned to Utila in 2022 to earn her PADI Divemaster certification at the Bay Islands College of Diving. Over the past two years, she completed and defended her Capstone and Honors Thesis Research on invasive lionfish populations in Utila and the community’s involvement in lionfish containment efforts. As the Outreach Coordinator and Co-President for the Surfrider Foundation USD Club, she has planned beach cleanups and education events to raise awareness of coastal preservation and reduce single-use plastics. Carolyn is passionate about marine conservation, community outreach, and education, and she is excited to pursue these passions with REEF this summer.
Shalini Thinakaran is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Latin American studies and computer science. Her interest in marine conservation comes from growing up loving the beach and having the opportunity to become PADI Open Water Scuba certified through a scholarship program at 13. Shalini developed an interest in computer science after realizing that it could help her achieve her lifelong goal of working to break down socio-economic barriers and other forms of oppression. Through her internship at REEF, she hopes to learn about practices within marine conservation and take those skills to underrepresented communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental issues. Outside of school, Shalini is an organizer with the Tennessee Student Solidarity Network and helps organize her community in Nashville, specifically Latinx students and workers. She also works for the Power, Resistance & Identity in STEM Education (PRISM) research lab at Vanderbilt, where she analyzes the effects of being Latinx in college mathematics. She is excited about the opportunity to be an intern at REEF and looks forward to meeting the REEF community!
Brian Chansky is a rising senior at the University of Delaware, where he is pursuing a B.S. in marine science and a minor in organizational and community leadership. Brian fell in love with the ocean and marine life from a young age. His interest in marine conservation and education efforts was fostered through his classes and involvement in the Blue Hen Leadership Program (BHLP), where he was exposed to nonprofit management and leadership development. He has served as an intern for the Brandywine Zoo and Spur Impact, working on new program development. He also spent two years as a BHLP Peer Mentor and workshop leader for first-year students. Last summer he sailed across the Atlantic aboard a training yacht, and started off this year by volunteering in Puerto Rico on an alternative break service program focused on environmental justice. Brian enjoys outdoor activities like hiking or beach volleyball. He is excited to combine his interests in marine conservation and nonprofit work with the rest of the REEF team this summer!
For more information about the Marine Conservation Internship or to apply for an upcoming semester, visit www.REEF.org/internship.
Author: Sierra Barkdoll, Citizen Science Coordinator
Get hooked on surveying fish by joining in the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Every July, divers and snorkelers from all over the world participate in this monthlong initiative to learn about marine fish identification and conducting REEF surveys. Individuals and groups can organize their own surveying or fish ID events, and some even add to the fun by incorporating raffles, cookouts, and more! If that sounds like a fun way to spend a summer day this July, check out the GAFC calendar to find an event near you. If you don't see an event in your area, you can organize your own fish identification class or group survey. Visit www.fishcount.org to learn more about the GAFC and see tips for organizing an event.
Author: Katie Barnes, Communications and Engagement Fellow
The REEF Conservation Challenge is a fun way to earn collectible stickers while getting involved in marine conservation and citizen science. Did you know that you can participate in the Conservation Challenge by doing any of the following activities:
•Visiting the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida
• Watching a Fishinar
• Attending REEF Fest
• Sending us a photo of you wearing REEF swag
• Conducting a REEF survey in any region
• Attending a REEF Field Survey Trip
These are just a few of the many Conservation Challenges you can complete. Visit www.REEF.org/conservationchallenge to learn more!
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: Fun Fishes to Look For in Roatan
Monday, June 19, 8pm EDT
Click here to register.
Roatan is home to some lesser-seen fish species, if you know where to look! Learn how to locate and identify some of the interesting species that can be found there.
REEF Into the Blue Book Club Meeting
Thursday, July 13, 8pm EDT
Click here to register.
REEF Into the Blue Book Club brings together readers who love the ocean. At this meeting, we will discuss our latest book selection, Monarchs of the Sea, The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods by Danna Staaf.
Author: Stacey Henderson, Program Services Coordinator
REEF Field Survey Trips are eco-vacations led by marine life experts. Each trip features daily dives and fish ID classes for both beginners and experienced surveyors. If you're not a diver, snorkelers are also welcome! Visit www.REEF.org/trips for more details. To book your space, email trips@REEF.org. Check out some of our upcoming trips with open spaces, including:
•Red Sea - July 6-16, 2023
•Dumaguete, Philippines - Aug. 5-13, 2023
•Southern Baja - Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 2023
•Curacao - Nov. 4-11, 2023
•Grenada - Jan. 27-Feb. 3, 2024
•Galapagos - March 17-24, 2024
•Utila, Honduras - April 6-13, 2024
Author: The REEF Team
Meet our June Fish of the Month, the Tiger Rockfish, Sebastes nigrocinctus!
Survey Regions: Tiger Rockfish are found on the Pacific Coast of the USA and Canada, from Alaska to British Columbia and south to central California. Click here to see a sightings report for the Tiger Rockfish in the REEF database.
Size: They can grow to be about 2 feet in length.
Identifying Features: Tiger Rockfish get their name from the five bars covering their body. They have cream to pink bodies and pectoral, ventral, and anal fins.
Fun Facts: Tiger Rockfish are solitary and territorial. Although their appearance, size, and behavior is similar to that of a sea bass, they are members of the scorpionfish family. Like other scorpionfishes, the Tiger Rockfish (and other rockfish species) has venomous spines. They inhabit areas with caves, crevices, and other recesses, where they lurk hidden from view.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Janna Nichols.
