Saving the Oceans, One Dive at a Time.
Rainbow Reef has partnered with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), who have generated one of the largest marine life databases in the world.
As part of protecting the marine ecosystem, and to know where we are making an impact, it is important for scientists to know where different species of fish are thriving and where invasive species are having a negative impact. Scientists, researchers and conservation organizations rely on this data to study different fish species and to offer advice about where humans are having a major impact and what can be done about it. Unfortunately, there are far too few scientists to constantly monitor and survey these fish!
Through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, REEF educates recreational divers on how to properly survey for fish on each of their dives. They can then contribute this information on numbers and species of fish to the database used by scientists and researchers world-wide.
With knowledge, training, and the opportunity to get involved these marine citizen scientists are making significant contributions to help keep our reefs healthy and giving a new meaning to literally making your dives count! In contributing to the REEF database, divers can also create a “life-time fish list” and keep track of all of the different species they have seen throughout their diving careers.
Rainbow Reef is excited to introduce our divers to this program and give them the chance to start their own “lifetime fish list” while learning about fish identification and contributing to this important work.
In 2020 the database surpassed 250,000 surveys conducted by over 16,000 volunteer divers.
Fish Survey Events will consist of the following:
The event begins with a morning class and orientation at 9:15am, followed by a two tank afternoon dive trip to find and survey all of the amazing species that can be found on our reefs! It will include a starter pack for your fish survey adventures including a dive slate, underwater survey materials and a quick reference for Fish ID in the Tropical Western Atlantic. Cost for the class, materials and dives is just $125!
You can also obtain your Fish ID certification as part of this process! Simply complete a PADI knowledge review that will be provided by one of our specialty instructors and you can add to your collection of PADI specialties with an extra certification charge.
Children are welcome! They need to be at least 10 years old to dive (certified Juniors) and can participate in expanding their knowledge of marine life!
Ocean Conservation Foundation
100 Ocean Drive
Key Largo, FL 33037
305.712.6666
info@oceanconservationfoundation.org
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The Ocean Conservation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, nonprofit organization, EIN #88-1256318. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.