Reef Environmental Education Foundation

Today is World Oceans Day! Join us at REEF in celebrating by reviewing just a few of our recent accomplishments. We also reach out to you, our valued members, and ask for your financial support to ensure that our innovative approaches can continue to make a difference. Donations made during the next 60 days will be matched by the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, doubling the impact of your support.

You can donate securely online at www.REEF.org/contribute, mail your donation to REEF at PO Box 246, Key Largo, FL 33037, or call us at 305-852-0030.

Our innovative approach to marine conservation is illustrated by REEF’s Grouper Moon Project. Endangered Nassau grouper are known to group spawn at sites where various currents converge. The resulting larvae then float away on these currents. For a long time, scientists thought fish spawned at specific sites in order to spread larvae to distant shores. Now, for the first time, REEF Grouper Moon scientists are using state-of-the-art oceanographic equipment to test this theory.

In 2011, researchers released satellite-linked drifter buoys to track larvae from the Nassau grouper spawning site on Little Cayman Island. Working with scientists from Oregon State University, REEF provided mapped tracks of these “larvae” in real-time on the Baby Grouper Adrift! webpage. What did we learn? Surprisingly, the evidence suggests that Nassau grouper spawn at these sites at certain times of the day and tide cycle in order to keep larvae close to home (local fish beget more local fish!). This finding will help regional governments effectively manage this endangered and culturally important reef fish.

The Baby Grouper Adrift! webpage is just one example of how REEF is implementing creative marine conservation. As another example, REEF recently released the Lionfish Cookbook, available in REEF’s online store. We have applied an “Eat ’em to Beat ’em” strategy to help control the devastating invasion of this voracious fish. Additionally, we continue organizing Lionfish Derbies, in which thousands of lionfish have been culled.

REEF is making a difference in the marine environment. We strive to stay on the cutting edge of science, education, and outreach initiatives, but we cannot do this without your support. Please consider a generous donation in honor of World’s Ocean Day to help us with our programs.

For more information about REEF, please review our 2010 Annual Report, just released today and available online at www.REEF.org/reef_files/annual2010.pdf. Thank you again for your support!

Paul Humann

President, REEF Board of Trustees

P.S. REEF is a registered 501(c)(3) U.S. charity and all donations are 100% tax-deductible. Don’t forget to ask your employer about matching your gift to REEF. Please call our office for more information, or to make your donation by phone at (305) 852-0030.

© 2011, admin. All rights reserved.