Do Something Fun For Earth Day, Make Your Dives Count with REEF!

Conducting REEF surveys during your dives is a perfect way to do something good for the environment, both in celebration of Earth Day and year-round. Not only do you provide needed data that can be used to better understand local marine resources, but by actively looking at the critters that are down there (both big and small), the quality of your dive experience will be greatly enhanced. REEF's Scientific Director, Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens, recalls the many times a diver, who has recently taken up REEF surveying, has commented "Even though I have been diving for years, doing REEF surveys has opened my eyes to a whole new world under the water." She also notes that the REEF database is increasingly being used by resource agencies and scientists to evaluate a variety of questions, including evaluating the effects of no-take zones, conducting fisheries-independent stock assessments, identifying areas with especially large varieties of fish and monitoring populations of non-native fish species. Doing a REEF survey is an easy way to make your dives count!

Pacific Northwest divers can help REEF celebrate Earth Day by participating in the Quarterly Critter Watchers Dive on May 1st at Redondo Beach in Washington. This is a fun way to join other area divers interested in critters. Details can be found on the Pacific NW Scuba page: www.pnwscuba.com/critterwatchers/).

Another opportunity to get involved with REEF is to participate in the Monterey Bay Field Survey April 20-25. This project will be led by Dr. Pattengill-Semmens, and will feature daily diving in this beautiful area of Central California and evening review sessions on fish and invertebrate identification. The group will also be treated to a behind the scenes tour of the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Data collection during this special Earth Day Field Survey will focus on key areas within the National Marine Sanctuary. Cost of the 9-dive package is $320. To find out more or to sign up, visit REEF's Field Survey page: www.reef.org/fieldsurv/).

In the Florida Keys, REEF is celebrating Earth Day with some good old-fashioned competition. The Fish Count Challenge has become an annual favorite. Divers join in on one of four teams, each led by a REEF staff person. The teams, diving through participating dive shops, conduct fish surveys at their favorite sites. Each team will raise money, through sponsorship for the number of minutes surveyed, to win donated dive trips, equipment and other great prizes. As an added bit of incentive, the team who collectively sees the most number of species is awarded special recognition. This fun day is caped off with a BBQ and raffle. For more information, visit www.reef.org/member/earthday.htm.