REEF CHECK August 2007 Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter is still looking for a name! We're reviewing all of your suggestions sent in last month, so we have decided to extend the contest deadline for entries. Send us your name suggestions to rcweb@reefcheckstg.wpengine.com and you might win a matching set of Caribbean and Indo-Pacific Underwater Reef guides along with a Reef Check hat!
Meet our New Staff


Linda Huynh – Accountant
Linda graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelors of Arts in Economics and a minor in Management. Prior to joining Reef Check, Linda worked as a Financial Consultant in Boston, Massachusetts with the majority of her clients being nonprofit organizations. 
Katrina Romero – Special Events Assistant
Katrina recently graduated from UCLA, majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in English. Having a strong background in journalism, she has held editorial positions at her college publications in addition to being a contributing writer for several online publications.
Reef Check Welcomes Two to Board of Directors
Reef Check Foundation is pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has grown with the addition of Ms. Ingrid Steiner and Ms. Susi McConaghy. Each of them brings an incredible set of skills and experience to our board. We are grateful that both Ingrid and Susi have stepped up at this important time in our organization's history as we prepare for growth and for the launching of a new public awareness campaign and an educational outreach program throughout the International Year of the Reef in 2008.
Reef Check California Trains 32 New Divers
Thirty-two divers recently became Reef Check California certified divers after successfully completing trainings in Orange County, San Diego and Monterey!
Orange County Training Report
San Diego Training Report
Monterey Training Report
International Year of the Reef Update
Sylvia Earle & Daryl Hannah Sign Reef Declaration Underwater
Renowned ocean scientist and National Geographic “Explorer-in-Residence” Dr. Sylvia Earle, and award-winning actress and ocean advocate Daryl Hannah recently signed the “International Declaration of Reef Rights” underwater at Palos Verdes, California. The event will also serve as the cover shot of the next edition of The Malibu Times.

Almost 5000 have signed from 110 countries
Click here to sign the International Declaration of Reef Rights
Click here to find out what others around the world are saying about the International Declaration of Reef Rights

We have added a sign-up sheet you can print out to collect names and signatures at your next event, club meeting or tradeshow. Simply send the list back to Reef Check via mail, fax or email. We'll be sure to add everyone to the master list!
Translations of the Declaration are also available in Arabic, Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Malay, Spanish, Swahili, and Thai.

Reef Check Teams in Action
Reef Check Hong Kong Celebrates 10 Years of Reef Check
On June 7th, Reef Check Hong Kong launched its 2007 survey season with a special ceremony, as this year also marks the 10th anniversary of Reef Check in Hong Kong. Reef Check Hong Kong once again teamed up with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong Government for this year?s Reef Check survey. Dr. Wong Fook-yee, Assistant Director (Country and Marine Parks), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Prof. Paul K.S. Lam, Chairman of the Marine Parks Committee were the guests for the opening ceremony.
Recertification of Fishermen on Isla Natividad
Reef Check's Craig Shuman and Mary Luna visited y Pescadores (fishing cooperative) on Isla Natividad, Baja California Sur to recertify the 6 fishermen and COBI staff members who were trained last year.
Reef Check Malaysia Participates in Malaysia International Dive Exhibition
In early July, Reef Check Malaysia participated in its first public event, the Malaysia International Dive Exhibition (MIDE 07). The response from the crowd was enthusiastic, with over 600 people visiting the stand over the 3 day event. Over 320 people signed the International Declaration of Reef Rights.…

Reef Check Montserrat Featured in Local Newspaper
The Montserrat Reporter recently spoke to Reef Check Montserrat coordinator James Hewlett about his team's annual monitoring trip. James and three of his students from Finger Lakes Community College in New York worked with Green Monkey Dive Shop and Seawolf Diving School on a weeklong survey of the local reefs...

Reef Check Member Takes EcoAction Course in Belize
Reef Check Member Courtny Klement was trained up as a Reef eck Diver with Ecologic Divers in Belize. Click here to read what she has to say!
Mark Your Calendars

September 16: Reef Rescue 2007: Dinner and Reef Inhabitants Show
Join Reef Check as we honor Dr. Sylvia Earle and Daryl Hannah at the Reef Rescue 2007 Dinner & Reef Inhabitants Show at the Malibu West Beach Club. Individual tickets and tables for this event are now available for purchase.

September 22: Reef Check Ocean Festival & Movie at the Bluffs: “Surf’s Up!”
Bring your blankets to Malibu's Bluffs Park for a special outdoor screening of Surf's Up! Prior to the movie, the Reef Check Ocean Festival will feature a number of family oriented and educational booths, as well as dance and entertainment from a variety of international acts. 
Pacific Underwater Guide with Slate & Pencil
Reef Check Hat