Today we look at a cause. Reef depletion. The ocean’s reefs are a living thing. We all know this. We also know that in some of our tanks there are animals or rocks that have come directly from one of our fragile reefs.
Out there, there are people who are dedicating their time and lives to studying the impact of humans on the earth’s reefs.
Reef Check is one such organization. Developed in 1996, it has already grown to be a huge presence in over 60 countries and supported by the likes of Bodyglove and Quicksilver, The United Nations with grants coming in from giants like Dow Chemical and the US State Department.
Please take the time to read a few facts about our fragile reefs (Direct from the Reef Check FAQ):
- In the Maldives alone, approximately 20,000m3 of corals are collected each year primarily for construction materials (Brown and Dunne 1988).
- In addition to reducing the number of coral colonies, coral mining reduces the wave absorbing properties of coral reefs Destruction of the reef exposes the shoreline and coastal communities to storm surges and erosion.
- While coral reefs are spectacular attractions that draw tourists around the world, impacts to the marine environment by these visitors can be significant. The consequences of diving, snorkeling, and reef walking by a large number of tourists can contribute to the demise of the very ecosystem these people come to experience.
- …the international trade in aquarium fish and invertebrates has been associated with several unsustainable and damaging practices. Among these practices are: the overexploitation of target species, including rare, relatively rare, and endemic species; the use of cyanide as a fishing method; the collection of inappropriate species that do not live well in aquaria; and improper handling and transport of collected animals, leading to high post-harvest mortality rates.
Having received many international awards for the work it does, it manages its work through developed programs aimed at education and action:
Reef Check carries out its work through three major programs:
- EcoAction Program – an education and certification program for kids to adults who want to learn more about the ocean and take part in protecting reef ecosystems.
- Coral Reef Management Program – a coral reef monitoring and management system that focuses on establishing Marine Protected Areas to conserve coral reefs while encouraging sustainable use of surrounding reefs by local residents.
- Reef Check California – a volunteer monitoring program for California rocky reefs designed to provide data for managers and to build a conservation constituency among California divers
About Reef Check: Reef Check was developed in 1996 as a volunteer, community-based monitoring protocol designed to measure the health of coral reefs on a global scale. Now in its sixth year of operation, Reef Check is active in over 60 countries and territories throughout the tropical world. During this time, Reef Check has evolved into an international environmental organization with the following goals:
- To educate the public about the coral reef crisis;
- To create a global network of volunteer teams which regularly monitor and report on reef health;
- To scientifically investigate coral reef processes;
- To facilitate collaboration among academia, NGOs, governments and the private sector;
- To stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide using ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions.
The Reef Check Barometer of Global Coral Reef Condition gives you a visual speedometer of how the reef is doing, and it does not look good.
How can you do your part?
Sign the Petition (the program closed in 2008 but you can still show your support!)
Coral Reef Management Program:
“By participating in Reef Check programs, we hope that citizens anywhere in the world will develop an interest in community-based coral reef management. By this we mean for the community to be involved in a partnership with government, non-profit groups, academics and businesses to make plans and take an active role in managing coral reefs so that they will be in good condition for our children to enjoy.”
Become a member: Even if you choose to just choose to be a standard member, which is free, you are showing your support, but dig into those pockets and buy a premium membership!
Shop in the Sea Store and buy yourself or your friend a new shirt!
MAKE A DONATION: This is the ultimate help you can give. You don’t ask for anything back, just giving because your heart tells you that you should.
The reef needs our help and we need knowledge. Please give Reef Check a bit of your time to at least read through some of its literature to educate yourself and just maybe, you can educate someone else.
