In this episode we discuss a visit to REEF HQ in Key Largo, Hakai Magazine, an update on Plastic Bank

During our recent dive shop trip to Key Largo, we conducted a PADI Fish Identification course in conjunction with REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation).  Our visit to REEF included an introduction, lecture on the various fish encountered in the Florida Keys, and how to conduct a fish survey. The next morning we were off to do two surveys, diving with Horizon Divers. Our surveys were conducted on The Wreck of the Benwood and Sand Bottom Cave on Elbow Reef.

Hakai Magazine is an online magazine started in 2015 with a mission to explore science, society and the environment from a coastal perspective. Hakai Magazine is funded by Tula Foundation. You can find out more about Tula here – https://tula.org. Hakai Magazine is fascinating with great articles and audio versions. Two articles in particular that are of interest (both audio and written) are “Citizen Science comes of age” and “Hey Beacher, leave those fish alone”. Here are links to both.

https://www.hakaimagazine.com/features/citizen-science-comes-of-age/

https://www.hakaimagazine.com/features/hey-beacher-leave-those-fish-alone/

Plastic Bank is an organization that stops ocean plastic while reducing poverty. Essentially, they pay people to recycle plastic. The plastic is then recycled and sold as social plastic. You can get all the details regarding their work on their web site. Recently they announced a partnership with SC Johnson to open 8 recycling centers in Indonesia along with the first mobile recycling center. 

https://www.plasticbank.com/sc-johnson-partners-with-plastic-bank-in-indonesia/#.XKZ5qZhKiM8

In addition to Indonesia they also operate out of Haiti, and the Philippines.