Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
How do water temperature and overall climate changes impact marine life? Active Pacific Northwest REEF volunteer surveyor, Curtis Johnson, recently co-authored a new paper that seeks to answer this question for one species of interest, the Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO). The paper, published in the scientific journal Marine and Freshwater Research, is titled "Sea-surface Temperatures Predict Targeted Visual Surveys of Octopus Abundance". Johnson and co-author, D. Scheel, used a variety of data sources, including data collected by REEF citizen scientist surveyors through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, to evaluate GPO population trends in the Pacific Northwest.
They found large changes in GPO abundance linked to average water temperatures. GPO sighting frequencies ranged from 11-39%. For every additional degree increase of 4-year average temperatures, the Puget Sound GPO sighting frequency dropped about 19 points - a loss of about 75% of typical diver sightings for every degree. The authors also noted that of the many datasets they used to conduct the analysis, the REEF dataset provided the most comprehensive information on GPO populations and the strongest correlations between GPO sightings and temperature changes.
Because the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project covers such a large geographic area over such a long period of time, it is proving an invaluable and irreplaceable tool for monitoring and better understanding the impact of climate change on marine species. Visit www.REEF.org/db/publications for summaries and links to full papers on all research publications that have come from the REEF database.
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of one of REEF's early members, Edwin Steiner. Ed passed away earlier this year at the age of 92. Not only was he a pioneer in REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project, but Ed was also instrumental in the development of one of the key pieces of REEF's survey materials - the printed underwater survey paper. It was Ed's vision that brought the checklist and overall format of the underwater paper to life, and his prototypes are very similar to what we use today in all of our survey regions. You might even find his name in the credits if you have some older versions of our survey paper lying around.
Ed was a long-time resident of Midland, MI. In his later years, he lived in Bolder, CO. He earned his Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from the University of Illinois. While there, he met his future wife, Doris, whom he married in 1953. He and Doris went on to have four children. After serving in the Korean War, Ed worked for 30 years in chemical research and computer modeling at the Dow Chemical Company. He was an avid scuba diver and was enthralled by coral reefs. In 1996, he discovered REEF and conducted his first surveys in Key Largo. Later that year, he signed up for his first REEF Field Survey Trip, to the Turks and Caicos Islands. He was immediately hooked and remained an active surveyor for a decade, before retiring from diving. As a valued volunteer, he conducted 376 REEF surveys, became a Level 5 surveyor, joined the Advanced Assessment Team, and participated in 14 REEF Trips and numerous AAT projects.
On behalf of the REEF staff and board, we extend our sympathies and appreciation to Ed's family. His legacy will forever be a part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
Author: Amy Lee, Engagement and Communications Manager
One of our favorite ways to kick off the holiday season is by doing something meaningful for the planet. When you join a REEF Field Survey Trip, you have the opportunity to participate in the world's largest ocean citizen science effort, while learning more about marine life and making friends with others who share your passion. There are a few spaces available on our REEF Field Survey Trip to the Gardens of the Queen marine park in Cuba, coming up on Dec. 11-18. The Gardens of the Queen park is known as one of the best-preserved marine environments in the Caribbean, with frequent sightings of large predators like snapper, grouper, and sharks. It's also one of the few places where you have a chance to see both the Fairy Basslet and the rare Golden Fairy Basslet - check out this month's Fish of the Month article to read more. Trip attendees will conduct fish surveys in this unique location and contribute valuable survey information to REEF's online database. Click here for more information about the trip.
Be sure to also check out the 2022 and 2023 REEF Trips by visiting www.REEF.org/trips. REEF Trips are led by marine life experts, and include diving, seminars about fish identification, and plenty of fun with friends. Snorkelers, families, and non-divers are also welcome. Contact trips@REEF.org for more information or to sign up for a trip today!
Author: Martha Klitzkie, Co-Executive Director: Strategy & Operations
It's hard to believe that it's already November. Before you know it, the holiday season will be in full swing. A traditional kick-off of the holidays is Giving Tuesday on November 30. After the bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Giving Tuesday is a day to give back to the community and causes you love. Would you mark your calendar now to celebrate with REEF on Giving Tuesday, November 30? Here are ten reasons to remember REEF on this annual day of giving:
1. Reliable: Established over 30 years ago, REEF is widely recognized as the world's leading citizen science marine conservation organization. Our work is made possible through our strong foundation of partners and members across the globe.
2. Protect Ocean Species: Our cornerstone project, the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, is widely regarded as the most comprehensive dataset on marine fish populations worldwide.
3. Give with Confidence: REEF is proud to have a Platinum Seal of Transparency by GuideStar and is recognized with a perfect score of 100 Encompass Seal by Charity Navigator. REEF has a proven track record of achieving our mission in a fiscally responsible way, and this means your donation goes directly toward making a difference for our ocean.
4. Future Ocean Stewards: REEF's focus is to develop strong programming to engage and inspire the public through citizen science, education, and partnering with the scientific community to achieve a healthier ocean.
5. Tradition: In keeping with our annual tradition, we'll announce Paul Humann's limited edition, signed, and numbered photograph, given as a gift to all donors contributing $250 or more this winter.
6. Make a Difference: Every dollar goes directly to conserving marine environments through education and research programs. Your gift, of any amount, helps protect the ocean.
7. Give a Gift to the Planet: Your donation to REEF is an investment to protect the oceans—it's something you give to yourself and future generations. What better way to kick off the holiday giving season!
8. Innovative Conservation: REEF's research uses innovative and collaborative research techniques to advance ocean conservation around the globe.
9. Community: We are better together! REEF teams up with scientists, agencies, conservation partners, and ocean enthusiasts like you to protect healthy oceans.
10. You: Citizen science is all about how individuals can take action to make a difference. You are at the heart of REEF’s grassroots conservation success.
Thank you for your support, this Giving Tuesday and always!
Author: The REEF Team
Searching for holiday gifts for the diver, snorkeler, or ocean ethusiast in your life? Check out the new merch we recently added to the REEF online store, including:
Zip Hoodies: Keep warm with this comfortable zip up hoodie, featuring an embroided REEF logo, jersey-lined hood, matching drawcords, and a ribbed hem and cuffs.
Womens' Lionfish Tank Top: Made from a lightweight tri-blend material, this tank top (offered in a women's cut) has our fun pop art lionfish design.
Lionfish Rash Guard: Perfect for outdoor activities, this breathable rash guard will protect you from the sun and also features our pop art lionfish image.
Parrotfish Face Mask: Protect yourself in style with this unique reusable face mask featuring a photograph of beautiful Yellowtail Parrotfish scales, an adjustable nose piece and sliding straps.
Visit www.REEF.org/store to shop online. There is also plenty of other REEF swag available online, including t-shirts and hats, as well as educational materials, books, and survey gear. We suggest placing your order early to allow time for shipping during the holidays. Happy shopping!
Author: Amy Lee, Engagement and Communications 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 highlight REEF member Lynn Fulks. She lives in California and has been a REEF member since 2006. She has conducted nearly 600 surveys in the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) region, where she is a Level 5 surveyor. She has also surveyed in several other regions, including Hawaii, Central Indo-Pacific, Tropical Eastern Pacific, and the West Coast of the US and Canada. Thank you, Lynn, for your dedication and enthusiasm for the Volunteer Fish Survey Project!
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member? How did you first hear about REEF?
In 2006 we were living on our sailing catamaran Blue Marine in Bonaire, and met Linda Ridley, a member of REEF's Golden Hamlet Club, a group who has conducted 1,000 or more surveys. If you know Linda, you know she is passionate about fish! She taught us the REEF Fish ID courses, pushing us until I was a Level 5 and doing some teaching myself. I’m so thrilled that someone I first taught, Kim White, is now a Golden Hamlet herself!
If you have been on a REEF Field Survey Trip, where and what was your trip highlight?
I haven’t been on a Field Survey Trip, but I got to be involved in a trip Ned and Anna DeLoach made to Bonaire in 2006 or 2007. They reached out to Linda, and I was recruited to be a dive guide for the surveyors. Besides the opportunity to sit in on Ned and Anna’s briefings and classes, the highlight was showing the surveyors some of Bonaire’s hidden treasures.
What is your favorite part about being a REEF member?
Not only do I get to contribute to scientific knowledge via the surveys, but my experience and REEF certification level has led to volunteer diving for various marine parks. Some of the sites I’ve surveyed as part of a quarterly team of divers are off limits to recreational divers.
Where is your favorite place to dive and why?
We return again and again to Bonaire. The combination of seven of the ten most species rich Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) sites in the REEF database, and the shore diving, just can’t be beat. The opportunity to spend up to two hours on a survey beats a 45 minute boat dive any day!
Do you have any surveying, fishwatching, or identification tips for REEF members?
Train your dive buddies to help you survey. My regular dive team is Joy Johnson and Paulette Schindele, both Level 3 TWA surveyors, and my husband Todd, a Level 4 TWA surveyor. Paulette is a fantastic spotter of blennies, gobies, and cryptic fish. Joy and Todd take fantastic ID shots for me to pore over later, and post to the REEF Facebook groups. It’s so much easier to focus on my survey without carrying a camera, knowing one of them will get the confirmation photo.
Starting about two months before a trip, I pull the species data for the dive sites from the database and make study lists and photo slides of the species I don’t know - think flash cards for adults. I’ll take the Level 2 exam before I go, and make sure I get enough surveys there to be able to take Level 3. Recently we went to a bucket list site for me, Blue Heron Bridge (BHB) in Florida. Golden Hamlet Peter Leahy was so very generous in sending me study lists so I was prepared!
What is your most memorable fish find and why?
While diving BHB with Peter in May 2021, we were lucky enough to add two new species to that site’s database! Peter spotted a Naked Sole and I found a Crested Pipefish. Todd took great ID photos so we could document them. What a thrill!
Author: Amy Lee, Engagement and Communications Manager
We had such a blast hosting REEF Fest 2021 last month! Thank you to everyone who joined us in Key Largo for our annual marine conservation celebration. After a long stretch apart, we enjoyed being able to reconnect with our members and the Florida Keys community. We also appreciated everyone's efforts to ensure health and safety throughout the event.
Thanks to the help of some of our amazing volunteers, we were able to livesteam all of the workshops and seminars this year. You can view the recordings on our Facebook and YouTube channel. Be sure to also to check out the REEF Fest 2021 photo album to see plenty of awesome photos from the entire weekend's events, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, seminars, and socials.
REEF Fest 2021 was made possible thanks to the generosity of our platinum sponsors, First Horizon Foundation, Florida Keys Brewing Company and A Moveable Feast. Keys Weekly and Snook's Bayside Restaurant and Grand Tiki Bar also provided in-kind support. Thank you to all of the attendees, sponsors, event partners and volunteers for helping to make REEF Fest 2021 a fun, safe, and successful weekend. We're already looking forward to next year, so be sure to mark your calendar for REEF Fest 2022, on October 13-16! Keep an eye on www.REEF.org/REEFfest for more information.
Author: Sierra Barkdoll, Citizen Science Program Lead Intern
REEF's online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what is coming up in the rest of the year:
Into the Blue Book Club Meeting
Thursday, November 11 at 8pm EST
Into the Blue Book Club brings together readers who love the ocean. At this meeting, we will be discussing our latest book selection, Ocean Outbreak by Drew Harvell. Drew is also attending the meeting for a Q&A!
Register here.
Oceanside Chat with Ned and Anna DeLoach
Thursday, December 16 at 8pm EST
Enjoy an evening with Ned and Anna as they talk about their latest fishy adventures, their holiday traditions, and REEF's programs and impact from the year.
Register here.
Author: The REEF Team
We have a two-for-one for you this month! Meet our November 2021 Fishes of the Month, the Fairy Basslet (Gramma loreto) and the Golden Fairy Basslet (Gramma dejongi)!
Survey Regions: The Fairy Basslet and Golden Fairy Basslet are both found in REEF's Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) survey region. The Fairy Basslet is common throughout most areas of the Caribbean, while the Golden Fairy Basslet is very rarely seen. So far, this species is known only from the Gardens of the Queen marine park in Cuba, although a vagrant has also been seen in the Cayman Islands. Click here to view the TWA sightings report for each species: Fairy Basslet and Golden Fairy Basslet
Size: Fairy Basslets grow up to 3 inches, while the Golden Fairy Basslet is slightly smaller, growing up to 2 inches.
Identifying Features: Both species have elongated bodies and long, flowing ventral fins. Fairy Basslets are bicolored, with purple and magenta coloring on the front half and yellow on the back, plus a dark spot on the dorsal fin. Golden Fairy Basslets have a solid yellow body, purple ventral fins, and a purple spot on the dorsal fin.
Fun Facts: As members of the Basslet family, both species inhabit recesses and crevices on reefs. The Fairy Basslet can be found in shallow waters, and on slopes and walls. Fairy Basslet often swim "upside down" with their belly oriented to the ceilings of caves or ledges, while the Golden Fairy Basslet is not known to exhibit this behavior and tends to prefer depths of 60 feet or more.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photos by Janna Nichols and Christy Semmens.
