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Nekton’s Rorqual and Pilot, former scuba lieaboards to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Nekton’s Rorqual and Pilot, former scuba lieaboards to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Okaloosa County was approached in early April 2024 with the donation of two former scuba dive liveaboards, measuring 80ft and 75ft. The vessels, known as NEKTON PILOT and NEKTON RORQUAL, were built in 1992 and 2001 respectively. Read the article HERE … Read entire article »

Filed under: Article, Artificial Reefs, Boats, Conservation, Divetalking, Events, Featured, Publications, Report

Marine conservation with interactive games

Marine conservation with interactive games

Click on Image As students return to the classroom for the new school year, educators and parents can encourage continued learning with Gone Fishin’ games. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with … … Read entire article »

Filed under: Aqualung, Artificial Reefs, Boats, Conservation, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Featured, Fish, Games, Grouper, Lionfish, Lobster, Manatee, ocean, Reefs, Reference, Training, Wrecks

Diadema Response Network: Concerns for Diadema – your help is needed

Diadema Response Network: Concerns for Diadema – your help is needed

The Caribbean may be facing another widespread die-off of sea urchins. Diadema antillarum, also known as the long-spined sea urchin, is one of the most important herbivores on Caribbean coral reefs, removing algae and maintaining open space for coral growth. In mid-February 2022, we first learned of extensive.. click READ MORE reference: AGRRA … Read entire article »

Filed under: Alert, Article, Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Events, extinction, Featured

Zookeeper

Zookeeper

Lionfish, The most dangerous and beautiful fish living in the ocean. Lionfish are categorized as one of the most invasive species to hit the eastern shores of the United States, Bahamas, Caribbean, Central and South America. Their native habitat is the Indo-West Pacific region, but there are now known to be established populations off the coast of Florida, and in the Indian River Lagoon. Because they consume so much prey in their native habitats, lionfish aren’t … Read entire article »

Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Featured, ocean, Products, Promotions, Recognition, Reefs, Reference, Zookeeper

NASA needs your help to map the ocean

NASA needs your help to map the ocean

NASA invites video gamers and citizen scientists to embark on virtual ocean research expeditions to help map coral reefs around the world in an effort to better understand these threatened ecosystems.During the past several years, researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley have developed new instruments that can look below the ocean surface in more detail than ever before. Using techniques originally developed to look at stars, these “fluid-lensing” cameras use complex calculations to … Read entire article »

Filed under: Article, Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, Games, Products, Reefs, Reference

Lionfish Traps that appear to be working

Check out these new #lionfish traps researchers are testing in the northern Gulf of Mexico!   Former Guy Harvey Scholar Holden Harris (UF IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station) has been working with Alex Fogg from the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners and Steve Gittings from the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to test a new a “non-containment” lionfish trap. The design works to “bait” lionfish by offering a structure that attracts them. The trap remains open while deployed on the sea floor, allowing fish to move in and out of the trap footprint. When the trap is retrieved, a netting is pulled up around the fish inside and they are brought to the surface. Now, with funding from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and help from DreadKnot Charters, the researchers are … Read entire article »

Filed under: Article, Artificial Reefs, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Featured, Lionfish, Reefs, Reference, Report

Invasive species are harming the ocean – here’s how you can help!

With its ornate, flowing fins and bold body pattern, the fish in the picture above is beautiful, but outside of its native Indo-Pacific range, this venomous lionfish can have harmful impacts on marine life. In the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, invasive lionfish are wreaking havoc on habitats, fisheries, and ecosystems with their voracious appetites and rapid reproduction. REEF is leading the way in addressing the lionfish invasion, through a combination of scientific research, lionfish removal projects and derbies, educational workshops, and market development. Your support is crucial to the success of these conservation actions. Please make a donation to REEF today – every contribution this summer will be matched. If you have already contributed, thank you so much for your support! For the past 25 years, REEF has enlisted citizen scientists … Read entire article »

Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Divetalking, Donation, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, Lionfish, ocean, Reefs, Reference, Report

Reef Assassin Act

House of Representatives Passes Congressman Matt Gaetz’s “Reef Assassin Act” Amendment to H.R. 200 July 12, 2018 Press Release Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed Congressman Matt Gaetz’s (FL-01) “Reef Assassin Act” amendment to H.R. 200, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. The amendment will encourage the elimination of lionfish from our waters. It allows individuals to trade 100 harvested lionfish tails for one tag authorizing fishing for coveted reef fish: red snapper, gag grouper, triggerfish, and amberjack. The lionfish population has exploded over the last three decades; they can now be found throughout the Atlantic coast, the Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. A single female lionfish releases 30,000 eggs every two to four days — two million eggs per year. Lionfish harm … Read entire article »

Filed under: Alert, Article, Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Diver, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Featured, Fish, Lionfish, ocean, Recognition, Reefs, Reference, Report

Lionfish Education Exhibit Program

To increase awareness and ensure consistent, accurate messaging about the lionfish invasion in Florida waters by supporting the creation of lionfish educational exhibits in public facilities around the State FWC has initiated a Lionfish Education Exhibit Program. To learn more about the program and to see if you qualify to participate, follow the following link. Lionfish Education Exhibit Program … Read entire article »

Filed under: Article, Artificial Reefs, Earth, Education, Featured, Fish, Lionfish

WOW Tour Presents – Cozumel Mexico 2017

Only THREE spots remain. Space is limited. If you know anyone that may be interested, please share   This year, the 15th year of traveling to Mexico, I have arranged an array of activities. Diving is the primary activity this trip. You arrive Cozumel December 16, 2017. You will be shuttled from the Cozumel Airport to arrive the condo no earlier than 3pm where you will begin to meet other guests as they arrive. That afternoon, evening, as a group is you choose, you may head to the local store to pickup any food supplies you require to make your week comfortable. That evening, the group may decide to go out to eat or remain at the condo. You are free to do what you desire. The next morning we are off to the marina … Read entire article »

Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Cavern, Divetalking, Education, Events, Featured, Lionfish, Lobster, ocean, Open Water, Photography, Promotions, Reefs, Reference, Sharks, Spiny Lobster, Travel, Trip Invitations, Wrecks

Gear Used in the making of Chasing Coral

  By Jeff Orlowski and Andrew Ackerman on July 18, 2017 How do you show irrefutable proof that the world’s coral reefs are rapidly dying due to climate change? Director Jeff Orlowski’s feature Chasing Coral follows an impassioned team of activists who create a special underwater time-lapse camera to document the bleaching of coral around the planet. As for the other gear needed to capture the film’s gorgeous—and devastating—visuals, Orlowski and his cinematographer Andrew Ackerman show it all off here. READ MORE   … Read entire article »

Filed under: Article, Artificial Reefs, Cameras, Canon, Conservation, Divetalking, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, ocean, Photography, Promotions, Recognition, Reefs, Reference, Report, Stories, Videography

Sunken Conservation

Sunken Conservation Three mini stories showing the efforts to create, maintain reefs and the invasion of lionfish off Florida shores. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Aquatica, Artificial Reefs, Cameras, Conservation, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Featured, Fish, Lionfish, ocean, Preservation, Promotions, Recognition, Reefs, Turtles, Video

Florida Spiny Lobster Season – Things you need to know

Florida Spiny Lobster Season – Things you need to know

Before reading the article below, take the quiz to evaluate your knowledge on the rules and regulations for harvesting Spiny Lobster off Florida waters. Lobster Seasons: The spiny lobster sport season is July 30-31 (always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July).  The regular season begins August 6.  Unless exempt, a recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobster. Commercial harvest is not allowed during the sport season.   Florida Regulations: Spiny Lobster Sport … Read entire article »

Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Boats, Conservation, Diver, Divetalking, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, Lobster, ocean, Open Water, Preservation, Reefs, Reference, Report, Spiny Lobster

Obama approves use of sonic cannons to explore for oil and gas off the Eastern Shore

The Obama administration has approved the use of sonic cannons to explore for oil and gas off the Eastern Shore. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Friday formally approved guidelines for using air cannons in the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Delaware. Energy companies could buy new oil and gas leases and begin drilling in 2018 if they find profitable reserves. The guidelines are meant to protect endangered whales and other creatures from the loud noises and increased vessel traffic, but the government’s environmental impact study estimates that more than 138,000 sea creatures could be harmed. The decision opens an area of the eastern seaboard larger than two Californias to exploration for the first time in decades. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Alert, Article, Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Events, Featured, ocean, Preservation, Reefs, Reference, Report

Food Poisoning from Marine Toxins

By Vernon E. Ansdell Seafood poisoning from marine toxins is an underrecognized hazard for travelers, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. Furthermore, the risk is increasing because of factors such as climate change, coral reef damage, and spread of toxic algal blooms. CIGUATERA FISH POISONING Ciguatera fish poisoning occurs after eating reef fish contaminated with toxins such as ciguatoxin or maitotoxin. These potent toxins originate from small marine organisms (dinoflagellates) that grow on and around coral reefs. Dinoflagellates are ingested by herbivorous fish. The toxins are then concentrated as they pass up the food chain to large carnivorous fish (usually >6 lb, 2.7 kg) and finally to humans. Toxins are concentrated in fish liver, intestinals, roe, and head. Gambierdiscus toxicus, which produces ciguatoxin, may proliferate on dead coral reefs more quickly than other dinoflagellates. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Boats, Conservation, Diver, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Emergency/FirstAid, Featured, Fish, ocean, Open Water, Reefs, Reference, Report, Training

NE Florida’s 2nd Annual Lionfish Derby

NE Florida’s 2nd Annual Lionfish Derby

Come on… You know  you love to hate lionfish. To help the state control lionfish population, NE Florida is conducting its 2nd annual lionfish derby. Last years event handed out thousands of dollars in cash awards and more. Be part of this movement. Sign up and join us August 8 for the captains meeting and August 9th for the hunt and harvest. Proceeds benefit the DSAJ (Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville) and REEF as well as local … Read entire article »

Filed under: Alert, Article, Artificial Reefs, Boats, Conservation, Contest, Diver, Divetalking, Donation, Earth, Events, extinction, Featured, Lionfish, ocean, Open Water, Promotions, Reefs, Reference, Report

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