Contact: Nathan Schwarck, Shannon Point Marine Center, (360) 293-2188 or Nathan.Schwarck@wwu.edu

[ Editor's note: These events have been canceled until February. ]

ANACORTES – Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center will host the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) Fish and Invertebrate Identification courses on Oct. 9 and 10.

“This is a great opportunity for divers to learn basic identification of many of the marine species of the Pacific Northwest waters.  Students will also be shown how to conduct REEF surveys, which can be accomplished during recreational dives,” said Nathan Schwarck, Scientific Diving Safety Officer at Shannon Point.

Both classes will be taught by REEF instructor Janna Nichols at the Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes.

The Fish Identification class will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. The Invertebrate Identification class will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. 

The tuition is free thanks to a grant from REEF and the Russell Family Foundation. Pre-registration for each course is required and can be done so by going on-line at www.pnwscuba.com/critterwatchers/classes.htm   Seating is limited to the first 30 participants registered. Participants may choose which courses they want to take.  

REEF, founded in 1990, is an organization dedicated to the conservation of marine ecosystems. Through education, REEF enables divers and other marine enthusiasts to become active stewards of the environment and citizen scientists. More information about REEF membership can be found at www.reef.org .

The Shannon Point Marine Center is a program of Western whose mission is the support of marine science at the university.  The marine center received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math and Engineering Mentoring in 2003.  During the past five years, Shannon Point has been awarded more than $6 million in federal funding to support its programs in education and research.  More information about Shannon Point Marine Center facilities and programs can be obtained at www.wwu.edu/~spmc

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