A History of Community-Based Coral Reef Monitoring

1997 REEF CHECK BEGINS!

As part of the first International Year of the Reef in 1997, and as the first attempt to measure reef health on a global scale, coral reef ecologist, Dr. Gregor Hodgson, was asked to design a global survey method that was quick, inexpensive, and could be completed by teams of recreational divers.

The protocol designed was applicable anywhere in the world and included a thorough assessment of indicator fish and invertebrate populations, substrate types, and signs of anthropogenic impacts. Reef Check scientists successfully led over 100 volunteer teams from more than 30 tropical countries and territories to
help determine the health of the world’s coral reefs!

Not so many fish in the sea…The results provided scientific confirmation that coral reefs are in crisis on a global scale! The results also demonstrated for the first time that overfishing is a major threat to reefs around the world.

Reef Check Hawai`i

Originating in Hawai'i in 1997 along side the international effort, Reef Check has since trained over 700 volunteers throughout the Hawaiian islands and has surveyed over 50 sites. This past September we were recognized for our dedication and commitment to coral reef conservation, education, and stewardship at the Hawai`i Living Reefs Awards. Receiving our official non-profit 501 (c) 3 status this past October, Reef Check Hawai`i moves into the International Year of the Reef with escalating momentum. We look forward to an eventful, enlightening and dynamic year, implementing and encouraging positive change for the preservation of
coral reefs across Hawai`i. Join us and Become Part of the Solution!

Reef Check Celebrates Ten Years of Conservation Commitment!

In June 2007, honored by the presence of Dr. Sylvia Earle, Reef Check Hawai`i celebrated its 10th anniversary of the first Reef Check at the Save Our Seas Clean Oceans Conference in Kauai. Reef Check Hawai`i members from Oahu and Kauai teamed up to resurvey the original Reef Check site completed in 1997.