Marine Conservation

There are many conservation organizations worldwide taking on the monumental task of protecting biodiversity, ocean life, and sustainability. The following organizations are ones that we are either directly involved with or have engaged them via our travels or through our network. Check them out.

CoralWatch

CoralWatch, based at The University of Queensland, Australia, is a well-established citizen science program founded in 2002.  It is an organization that I am a member of and contribute to. Recognizing that there are not enough scientists to monitor world's reefs, CoralWatch promotes citizen contributions through their monitoring program.

 

CoralWatch integrates global coral health monitoring with education and public outreach creating reef awareness using simple and engaging tools. This provides people with accessible information about coral reefs and climate change, and hands-on experience collecting scientific data on coral bleaching using the Coral Health Chart. The chart is an easy-to-use tool to quantify changes in coral colour associated with coral bleaching on the reef. It is so simple, no prior training is needed and anyone can get involved. The chart is used in the field and classroom, is available in 12 languages and data on >230.000 corals from >1910 reefs in 79 countries is publicly accessible. 

Reef Check

Reef Check is a non-profit organization leading citizen scientists to promote stewardship of sustainable reef communities worldwide—we are also contributors to this organizaiton. Founded in 1996, their vision—as an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests—is thriving reefs, cared for by communities sustained for generations to come. With offices in Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, California and volunteer teams in more than 40 countries and territories, Reef Check performs three vital tasks necessary to promote stewardship of sustainable reef communities worldwide:

  • Train and organize teams of local volunteer citizen scientist divers. They collect data on reef health and assess climate change impacts on their reefs. Their work produces reliable information used by marine resource managers, scientists, and policymakers to make science-based ocean management and conservation decisions.

  • Promote public education about reefs and the ocean. Their goal is to develop a team of ocean ambassadors with the skills and knowledge to make a tangible and meaningful difference for marine conservation in their local communities.

  • Develop ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions for reef conservation and restoration.