March - Gabriel Jensen – SECRETS OF THE NEON SEA
FLUORO DIVING IN SOUTH FLORIDA
After sunset, South Florida’s familiar reefs transform into something extraordinary. Under blue light, corals, fish, and hidden invertebrates glow in vivid greens, reds, and oranges; revealing a hidden world that most divers never see.
On Wednesday March 4th, join local underwater photographer and divemaster (and SFDI member!) Gabriel Jensen for a visual journey into fluorescence diving. Learn the science behind the glow, how any diver can experience it with a simple blue light and mask filter, and where to find the best local spots; from Blue Heron Bridge to the reefs of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and beyond. Whether you’re a night-diving regular or looking for a new way to experience our home waters, this presentation will show you South Florida after dark in a whole new light.
ABOUT GABRIEL JENSEN
Gabriel Jensen is the 2025 Underwater Close Up Photographer of the Year and an internationally published underwater photographer and photonaturalist. His award-winning images celebrating the vibrant microfauna of the Tropical Western Atlantic have been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, BBC Wildlife, Smithsonian, CNN, New York Times and more.
Gabriel serves on the Board of Directors of the South Florida Underwater Photography Society (SFUPS), where he helps connect underwater photographers, marine scientists, and ocean enthusiasts with the resources and mentorship they need to elevate their craft.
A passionate explorer of South Florida’s busy urban waterways, Gabriel has a particular love for exotic sea slugs and cryptic marine life. His discoveries have contributed to popular publications and scientific resources including the Blue Heron Bridge Guide, Ocean Geographic Society, Scuba Diver Magazine, and Florida United Malacologists, or mollusk scientists.
FEBRUARY - BITE CLUB – LIFE AFTER A SHARK ATTACK
Join SFDI as we hear from Dave Pearson, who survived a shark attack,
He has become an international leader in the community of those who have been bitten and survived, as the Founder of the Facebook group “Bite Club.” Dave will speak to us on Zoom from his his home in New South Wales, Australia. He will tell us about the physical, mental and social challenges facing a shark bite survivor, as well as ocean challenges and shark mitigation and deterrents. Finally, he will describe support opportunities for survivors. His information will help us avoid a shark attack, and, if we do get bitten, how cope with the aftermath.
ABOUT DAVE PEARSON
Dave Pearson is a veteran surfer, with over 50 years experience. He lives with his family in New South Wales, Australia.
In 2011, he was attacked by a 3-meter bull shark while surfing off Crowdy Head, on the Mid-North coast of New South Wales, Australia. He received major damage to his left arm and head, neck and back injuries.
After finding no support network for shark attack survivors, he reached out to other survivors and Bite Club was formed, welcoming into membership anyone who has been bitten by an apex predator – crocodiles, lions and hippos, as well as sharks.
Dave has met with many government officials and presents at events regarding shark mitigation strategies and community consultation and support events after serious and fatal shark attacks. His conference activity includes the UN Ocean Blue Conference held in Reunion Island, France and the upcoming World Surfing Conservation Conference, held in Australia.
JANUARY 2026 Wacky Gift Exchange
Each person brings a gift to the Wacky Gift Exchange. Please don’t bring junk, keep to approximately $20. Place your gift in the stack of gifts and you receive your number. When your number is called, you have 2 choices: 1) pick a gift from the stack or 2) steal a gift from someone who has already picked.
The art of the steal. Great going Steve!!
DECEMBER HOLIDAY PARTY
Saturday, Dec 6 — 6:30pm
Dinner is provided
There will be an open bar.
Guests are encouraged to bring an appetizer or dessert. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
I.T. Parker Center, Dania Beach
901 NE 3rd Street, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Enter into the marina complex and follow small signs - going around the marina buildings, heading east. The center is at the end, on the water.