Coral Reef Monitoring with Reef Check by OceansWatch
Hundreds of surveys on coral reefs are carried out by scientists every year. However, these surveys often focus on different aspects of reefs so the survey methodologies they use are very different from each other. This makes it impossible to compare results between surveys and thus impossible to get the ‘big picture’ of global coral reef health.
Reef Check was formed in 1997 in order to establish a standardised global coral reef monitoring methodology. Reef Check aims to do this through training teams of volunteers worldwide to monitor the status of coral reefs.
OceansWatch has adopted Reef Check methodologies for its preliminary surveys throughout the South Pacific. Carrying out these surveys will allow us to determine areas of reef that are under threat from anthropogenic activities such as runoff from logging, pollution from sewage and over fishing. OceansWatch is in a unique position, with sailing members being able to visit more isolated areas that would otherwise be overlooked.
What does a Reef Check survey involve?
Reef Check involves doing three separate surveys over at least 4 consecutive 20m transects:
• fish
• invertebrates/damage/diseases
• substrate
The data collected is entered through the internet (as soon as feasibly possible) and sent to Reef Check, where it is checked over for anomalies (i.e. were there really seven whale sharks?) and if approved entered into the World Coral Reef monitoring data base.
Training for OceansWatch Members
Reef Check survey data is used by science and government organisations, therefore accuracy of results is essential.
Before a group of individuals can set up a team and carry out surveys, training and certification is required.
Glenn Edney, who owns and runs Happy Ha’apai Divers on Foa Island in the Ha’apai Group, Kingdom of Tonga, is certified by Reef Check to train OceansWatch members for RC accreditation. During the 2008 season, he will be running two 4 day courses. The minimum requirements are:
• Age - 12 years upwards
• Dive qualification - PADI Open Water.
• The ability to maintain a high level of buoyancy control and basic dive skills,
Group size – min of 4 people and max of 8 people.
Happy Ha'apai Divers is situated at the north end of Foa Island in the Ha'apai Group, Kingdom of Tonga.
Visit www.tonga-dive.com for more details.
For those arriving by boat, please refer to the 'Sailingbird's Guide to The Kingdom of Tonga'.
Refer to our Training page for dates for next Reef Check training.
• Cost - NZ$450 per person, includes dive equipment snorkeling gear if required.
• NZ$50 extra per person for PADI Certification
• Accommodation is not provided, but we can recommend Matafonua Lodge run by Dave, Sally and Tui the dog – they will provide a 10% discount (food not included). Please visit their website: www.matafonua.com
After training
Once you are Reef Check accredited, please get in touch with OceansWatch who will be able to connect you to established RC survey sites, as well as helping you put a team together to survey new sites.
