February Critterwatching newsletter

[nwscubamom]

Here's the text of an email that was just sent out to those who are on the REEF Pacific NW Critterwatcher email list. If you'd like more info about this email list, go here:
http://www.pnwscuba.com/critterwatchers/emaillist.htm

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Well, the Ground-Hogfish didn't see his shadow, at least around these parts, so I guess that means an earlier spring this year! We'll have to wait and see if the prediction holds true. And with that, I'll return you to your regularly scheduled program...

Help Hunt for Octopus!
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Here's your chance to help the Seattle Aquarium monitor populations of Giant Pacific Octopus in Puget Sound and Hood Canal. The census is slated for President's Day Weekend, Feb 16th - 18th, 2008. More info and a printable flyer here.
http://www.pnwscuba.com/critterwatchers/octosurvey.htm

We'll even show you how to tell the difference between a Red Octopus and a Giant Pacific Octopus if you look here!
http://www.pnwscuba.com/critterwatchers ... htm#200502

REEF in the local news
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Interest in the REEF monitoring program and results from active REEF surveyors are making the local news! See this article in the San Juan Journal about Level 3 surveyor Nick Brown and his find off Bell Island in the San Juans.
http://www12.bcnewsgroup.com/portals-co ... id=1144539

And another article recently appeared in the Skagit Valley Herald about the REEF classes being taught in February at Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes. Check it out...
http://www.goskagit.com/index.php/sports/print/5351/

Critter of the Month
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We've got a lovely invertebrate for you this month. Click here to see if you know what it is or if you've seen it before!
http://www.pnwscuba.com/critterwatchers ... emonth.htm

Upcoming Classes
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Our February classes in Anacortes are full, Full, FULL, so if you're interested in taking the REEF Fish ID course, the next one is offered at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in April. And for those of you who've already taken the basic Fish ID course, you're invited to sign up for the Advanced Fish ID course that will make its debut in May at the Seattle Aquarium! More info on courses can be found here.
http://www.pnwscuba.com/critterwatchers/classes.htm

That's it for now - and here's hoping you manage to stay warm out there - especially now that the water temps rival the topside temps!

- Janna
><((((°>
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