DEADLINE: Scuba Diving Field Trip Offered by ORCA During the SEJ Conference in Miami. REGISTER BY OCTOBER 14th.

Join marine biologist Dr. Sarah Frias-Torres, postdoctoral fellow at Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), and invited speaker at the SEJ conference in Miami, as she dives to film and study the goliath groupers. This is a hands-on activity where you can learn the basics of grouper romance. While on deck and between dives, you can learn more about goliath grouper's struggle for survival.

This trip is organized by Dr. Frias-Torres and is independent from the SEJ conference and outside the official program. However, to facilitate logistics, the fieldtrip is planned for Thursday October 20, which coincides with the conference's official day tours. Max number of divers: 9. REGISTER BY OCTOBER 14th.

All divers must present a valid scuba certification (at a minimum open water certified) and proof of dive insurance, and sign a liability waiver at the time of boarding the dive boat. No exceptions. The field trip includes two recreational scuba dives, with a no-deco safety profile.

The group will meet at the lobby of the conference hotel (Intercontinental Miami) at 8 a.m.  Dr. Frias-Torres has offered to rent a van to drive all divers to Jupiter, Florida. Expected return time to Miami: 5 to 6 p.m. depending on traffic.

$90 per dive trip (on-board gourmet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks included); $15 per air tank, $20 per nitrox tank, paid directly to the dive shop; rental of scuba gear available at extra cost.

DEADLINE: Contact Dr. Frias-Torres, organizer, no later than October 14, 2011. Email: sfrias-torres@teamorca.org or 772-467-1600