Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Did you know that April is Citizen Science Month? Coordinated by SciStarter, Citizen Science Month helps raise awareness of opportunities for everyone to participate in science in meaningful ways. Citizen science is at the heart of REEF's work with the Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP). Since its launch in 1993, the VFSP has generated one of the largest marine life databases in the world. As of April 1, 2023, the REEF VFSP database has 281,606 surveys conducted at 16,189 sites throughout the world’s oceans, by 17,030 volunteer divers and snorkelers worldwide. These data are made available to scientists, resource managers, and government agencies to better understand, study, and protect marine ecosystems.
The data are available for free on the REEF website, and are open to access by anyone. Data summary reports available online include reports on Geographic Zone, Diversity, Species Distribution, and more. VFSP volunteers can also access a variety of personalized reports if they are logged in to the website, including their Lifelist and Survey Log. We're also excited to share that a new "My Dashboard" report is now available under the "My REEF" menu on the website, just in time for Citizen Science Month! The Dashboard provides our volunteers with a snapshot of their activity, including total surveys, date of first survey, easy access to their most recent surveys, activity by year, and more. If you are a REEF surveyor, check it out!
Author: Madalyn Mussey, Education and Outreach Program Manager
Spring is here, and the REEF education team is hard at work teaching all ages about the ocean and marine conservation! REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs bring the ocean to life through online and in-person learning. Our programs include hands-on lessons and activities to teach participants of all ages and backgrounds about citizen science, ocean life, marine ecology and habitats, and most importantly, how we can make a difference. Here are some stats from REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs so far in 2023:
•13 education sessions provided at no cost to participants, with support from the Oceans for All Fund, reaching over 250 individuals.
• 38 in-person Discovery Programs taught in the Upper Florida Keys.
• 33 downloads of the Virtual Field Trips and Virtual Case Studies, engaging more than 480 students.
• 15 organizations or schools served, including both local and out-of-state groups including Ecology Project International, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Grand Classroom, Community School of Naples, Coral Shores High School, Ocean Studies Charter School, Plantation Key School, Key Largo School, Ocean Reef Club, YMCA of the Upper Keys, and the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.
• Nearly 900 individuals reached through the Ocean Explorers Education Programs, from elementary school students to senior citizens.
• 20 outreach events hosted or attended, reaching more than 1,300 individuals.
Ocean Explorers Education Programs create opportunities for the next generation of stewards to lead positive change for marine environments and form a conservation community. We work directly with groups to tailor each program to their unique needs and interests, creating a memorable experience and helping people build connections with nature. If you or someone you know is interested in planning a program, check out www.REEF.org/explorers, or email explorers@REEF.org to start your adventure. You can also click here to join the email list and receive updates about education programs.
Author: Stacey Henderson, Program Services Coordinator
We are excited to share the 2024 REEF Field Survey Trips schedule! REEF Trips are led by marine life experts, and include diving, fish ID classes, and fun with friends. Divers, snorkelers, and families are welcome on REEF Trips. To find out more or book your space, email trips@REEF.org. We'll send you an invoice to submit a deposit to secure your space. For individual trip details and more info, please visit the links below.
We also have exciting news for educators. Teachers can earn professional development credit by joining any REEF Field Survey Trip. 2.5 units are available from the University of California at San Diego. Contact explorers@REEF.org for details.
2024 REEF Field Survey Trips
January 27 - February 3, 2024: Grenada - Aquanauts/True Blue Bay Resort, with Madalyn "Moose" Mussey, Click here for trip details.
March 17-24, 2024: Galapagos Islands - Galapagos Sky Liveaboard, with Stacey Henderson, Click here for trip details.
April 6-13, 2024: Utila, Honduras - Utila Lodge, with Janna Nichols, Click here for trip details.
April 12-24, 2024: Indonesia (Sorong to Maumere)- Blue Manta Liveaboard, with Christy Semmens, Ph.D., Click here for trip details.
May 4-11, 2024: St Lucia - Anse Chastanet Resort, with Martha Klitzkie, Click here for trip details.
June 22-29, 2024: Cuba - Jardines de la Reina, led by Amy Lee with Anna and Ned Deloach, Click here for trip details.
July 20-27, 2024: Bonaire - Buddy Dive, with Sierra Barkdoll and Janna Nichols, Click here for trip details.
July 27 - August 3, 2024: Tobago - Tobago Dive Experience/Speyside Inn, with Christy Semmens, Ph.D. and Brice Semmens, Ph.D., Click here for trip details.
August 24-31, 2024: Malta - Atlantis Dive Resort, with Stacey Henderson, Click here for trip details.
September 28 - October 5, 2024: Grand Cayman - Sunset House, with David Ehlert, Click here for trip details.
November 2-13, 2024: Lembeh, Indonesia - Lembeh Resort, Murex Bangka Resort, and Murex Manado Resort, with Stacey Henderson, Click here for trip details.
November 2-9, 2024: Dominica - Dive Dominica/Fort Young, with Hilary Penner, Click here for trip details.
December 7-14, 2024: Cozumel - Casa Mexicana, with Tracey Griffin, Click here for trip details.
2025-2026 REEF Field Survey Trips Preview
January 12-22, 2025: Maldives - Emperor Explorer Liveaboard/Explorer Ventures, with REEF Staff, Click here for trip details.
April 12-22, 2025: Fiji - Nai'a Liveaboard, with REEF Staff, Click here for trip details.
September 12-25, 2025: Indonesia (Selayar & Take Bonerate)- Arenui Liveaboard, with Christy Semmens, Ph.D., Click here for trip details.
May 8-17, 2026: Misool, Indonesia - Misool Eco Resort, with REEF Staff, Click here for trip details.
Can't wait until next year? The following 2023 REEF Field Survey Trips have limited space remaining:
July 6-16, 2023: Red Sea - Grand Sea Explorer Liveaboard, with Amy Lee, Click here for trip details.
July 30-Aug. 5, 2023: Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary - Fling Liveaboard, with Christy Semmens, Ph.D. and Brice Semmens, Ph.D., Click here for trip details.
August 5-13, 2023: Dumaguete, Philippines - Atlantis Dumaguete Resort, with Alli Candelmo, Ph.D., Click here for trip details.
September 29 - October 6, 2023: Southern Sea of Cortez - Rocio del Mar Liveaboard, with Amy Lee, Click here for trip details.
November 4-11, 2023: Curacao - Ocean Encounters and LionsDive Beach Resort, with Madalyn "Moose" Mussey, Click here for trip details.
Author: The REEF Team
Each year on the last Friday in April, REEF celebrates Give BIG for the Oceans. This single-day giving event is a way for the REEF community to come together to celebrate and support ocean conservation. Give BIG for the Oceans 2023 is coming up on April 28. All donations made during Give BIG for the Oceans 2023 will be MATCHED up to $15,000! We're so thankful to the Pelton Charitable Foundation and an anonymous supporter for providing these matching funds. Be sure to mark April 28 on your calendar because you don't want to miss this remarkable match opportunity. Together, we have the power to make an amazing impact for the oceans in a single day.
All who donate during Give BIG for the Oceans will receive a signed 5"x7" print photographed by REEF Co-Founder Ned DeLoach. This year, Ned and Anna selected this amazing image of a Leafy Sea Dragon! This print is available only during Give BIG for the Oceans 2023, as a special gift for all those who contribute any amount on April 28. Be sure to watch your email inbox this month for reminders, and thank you for your support!
Author: Katie Barnes, Communications and Engagement Fellow
Ready, set, register... to join in the 4th annual REEF Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K! From June 5-11, REEF members and ocean enthusiast worldwide are getting active to support of ocean conservation. You can participate from anywhere, and choose your favorite activity - run, walk, hike, bike, or even swim! You can complete the 5K in one go, or break it up throughout the week. When you register for the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, you'll also choose to join one of five Fish Teams, including Emperor Angelfish, Clownfish, Hammerhead Shark, Spotted Eagle Ray, or Tiger Rockfish. Be sure to sign up soon - if you register by April 30, you'll receive the early bird registration fee. Proceeds from the Fish Out of Water 5K go towards the REEF Oceans for All Fund, which supports scholarships, programming, and outreach activities to provide ocean experiences and education for equity-deserving groups. Last year, more than 600 people from 40 states and 8 countries participated. Join us and help make a difference for the oceans!
Author: Katie Barnes, Communications and Engagement Fellow
The REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project operates worldwide, and REEF members are located all over the globe, but our physical location - and our home since REEF was founded in 1990 - has always been in the Florida Keys. The REEF Campus in Key Largo is a visitor center and nature center, which includes the historic REEF Headquarters building, the Interpretive Center, and an outdoor oasis including a Native Plants Trail, butterfly garden, and covered picnic and gathering area.
The REEF Headquarters building is a classic conch-style house, recognized as the oldest building in the upper Florida Keys still in its original location. In 2009, thanks to a generous gift, this building was renamed the James L. Lockwood REEF Headquarters. This building is the home base for many of our staff, interns, and volunteers. Inside the building are self-guided interpretive displays highlighting invasive species, endangered species, marine biodiversity, marine habitats of the Florida Keys, and more.
Opened in 2017, the Interpretive Center features a floor-to-ceiling underwater mural combining the many different marine ecosystems found in the Florida Keys. Educational groups are welcome to schedule a formal presentation centered around Fish ID, lionfish, or mangrove ecology. Visitors may also stop in for self-guided tours. Many of our public programs and Ocean Explorers Education Programs are held in the Interpretive Center.
An outdoor oasis and Native Plants Trail with covered seating, a bike rack, drinking fountain, informational kiosk, and educational signs. Visitors can enjoy exploring, walking the trail and learning about the native plants and animals of the Florida Keys. To celebrate REEF's 30th anniversary in 2020, we added the Ocean Unity garden display to commemorate 30 years of ocean conservation success. Throughout the summer of 2020, REEF members who donated $500 or more were honored with a personalized plaque. Generous donors of $5,000 or more were honored with a plaque and fish sculpture on top of the posts.
There is plenty to see and do at the REEF Campus, and we are proud to be part of the Florida Keys community. Want to come visit? The REEF Campus is located at MM 98.3 in the median along Overseas Highway. Our address is 98300 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL 33037. You can check our our calendar here to view a listing of upcoming events, and if you want to keep up with what's happening at the REEF Campus, you can click here to sign up to join our monthly REEF Campus and Keys Community email newsletter.
Author: Sierra Barkdoll, Citizen Science Coordinator
April is Citizen Science Month, and we're gearing up for one of our biggest citizen science iniatives of the year - the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Held each July, the GAFC is an initiative to encourage divers and snorkelers to participate in the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project. This is a great way for anyone to get involved in citizen science and learn more about marine life by joining in ID classes and group dives.
It's easy and fun to participate in the GAFC! You can work with your local dive shop to organize a marine life ID class and/or a GAFC survey dive during July 2023. To learn more about the Great Annual Fish Count and how to set up an event, visit www.REEF.org/gafc.
Author: Katie Barnes, Communications and Engagement Fellow
REEF online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what's coming up this month:
Into the Blue Book Club Meeting
Thursday, April 20, 8pm EDT
Click here to register.
REEF Into the Blue Book Club brings together readers who love the ocean. At this meeting we'll discuss our latest book selection, Eloquence of the Sardine: Extraordinary Encounters Beneath the Sea by Bill François. Bill will be joining the meeting for a Q&A! All are invited to join, whether you have read the book or not.
Fishinar: Red Sea Fishes Part 3
Wednesday, May 10, 8pm EDT
Click here to register.
The Red Sea is full of fascinating fishes. In this session, we'll teach you how to recognize some of the species you may see there. For even more Red Sea fishes, check out Parts 1 and 2 in our Fishinar Archives.
Author: Sierra Barkdoll, Citizen Science Coordinator
Did you know that the data collected by REEF surveyors are separated into two categories based on Experience Level: Novice and Expert? Once you reach Level 4 or 5 in a given survey region, you're considered an Expert surveyor for that region. You can even earn a special Expert Level surveyor Conservation Challenge sticker! Check out www.REEF.org/conservationchallenge for details.
REEF Experience Levels are a way for divers and snorkelers to measure their fish ID knowledge along with their surveying experience. Experience Levels are achieved by submitting a certain number of surveys and passing a fish ID test. Want to learn more, or thinking about leveling up? Visit www.REEF.org/experiencelevels for details. To check your Experience Level, log into your REEF account and visit "My Account" under the "My REEF" tab on our website.
Photo by Pete Naylor.
Author: Janna Nichols, Citizen Science Program Manager
Welcome to Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to celebrate those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Here are achievements from January, February and March 2023:
Juvenile Hamlet Award
The Juvenile Hamlet Award is for individuals who have conducted 500+ REEF surveys. You can read more here. Congratulations to our latest Juvenile Hamlet Club member, Kristi Draper!
Experience Level Advancements
REEF Experience Levels are a way for divers and snorkelers to measure their fish ID knowledge along with their surveying experience. From beginner to expert, you'll find plenty of resources and friends to help you along the way. Experience Levels are achieved by submitting a certain number of surveys and passing a fish ID test. For more info, visit www.REEF.org/experiencelevels. Let's hear it for these REEF members who have advanced an Experience Level! All listed below are Level 2 unless otherwise noted.
California (CAL)
Austin Miller
David Perez
John Hurthere
Joshua Ma
Matt Wilbur
Taher Sathaliya
Taylor Disch
Hawaii (HAW)
Ariana Demery
Barb Schnurr
Buzz Samuelson
Cliff Owen
Donna Goodale
Harvey Surprenant
Jackie Myers
Jamie Pardau
Jim Dingess
Johan Kloppers
Karen Bohner
Pam Adams
Ryan Beberwyck
Indian Ocean / Red Sea (IORS)
Ahmed Shawky - Level 3
Carol Cox - Level 3
Marta Zahalak
South Pacific (SOP)
Bill Isbell
Byron Bishop
Freja Ingelstam
Hal Peterson
Joni Sensel
Michaela Peterson
Susan Molchan
Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA)
Deborah Cacace - Level 5
John Nelson - Level 5
Melanie Moreno - Level 5
Michaela Peterson - Level 5
Karen Bogart - Level 4
Deb Hebblewhite - Level 4
Rebecca Klant - Level 3 and 4
Molly Myers - Level 3
Patrick De Bortoli - Level 3
Alex Dumbravean
Autumn Lewis
Ben Chester
Brianna Phillips
Camila Montt
Caroline Broadbent
Celia Bron
Chantal Piet
Charlie Reed
Cliff Owen
Colin Lebiszczak
Collin Clark
Daisy Ehrler
Dakota Barbour
Dani Herman
Dorien Degreve
Emily Walling
Emma Alexander
Emma Mendez
Everly Watson
Hanna Sharland
Itay Benyamini
Jessie Sivo
Julia Demopoulos
Julian Santos
Kerstin Appolt
Lauren Storer
Lisa Agrimonti
Lisa Bessant
Logan Asmuth
Madasen Kasprisin
Marijka Hayes
Marissa Gailitis
Marvin Dippell
Mason Barsema
Matthew Mikulic
Max Lokey
Micaela Grove
Michael Mueller
Mixali Petkosen
Poppy Metz
Ruthie Hernandez
Sara Nadeau
Shoumik Bagchi
Sol Rodriguez
Suegoro Sone
Sydney Downs
Taylor Theriault
Vivian Mayes
Wesley Jackson
William Cooper
Zafirah Merchant
Author: The REEF Team
Introducing our April Fish of the Month, the Giant Hawkfish, Cirrhitus rivulatus!
Survey Regions: Giant Hawkfish are found throughout REEF's Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) survey region. Click here to see REEF database reports for this species in each region: TEP.
Size: As the largest members of the hawkfish family, they can grow up to 2 feet long!
Identifying Features: Giant Hawkfish are deep-bodied, with an olive to green undercolor. They are covered in an intricate "maze" of golden-brown markings with black margins narrowly surrounded by blue. They also have two pale (often white) diffuse spots at the back of the dorsal fin.
Fun Facts: Giant Hawkfish are found on rocky reefs, where they lie motionless or shelter among rocks. Juveniles live in shallow surge zones. They eat small fish and crustaceans like shrimps.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Carol Cox.
