Reef Check Hawai`i Surveys

Providing a snapshot of the overall health of the reef, Reef Check’s surveys act as an early warning system to scientists, alerting them to major anthropogenic changes such as coral bleaching, disease, eutrophication, overfishing, and sedimentation. This year Reef Check is excited to be teaming up with the Local Action Strategy, Climate Change & Marine Disease, to keep an extra eye out for signs of coral disease and bleaching. Contact us today to get involved!

So What Are We Looking For?

Reef Check surveys look for specific fish & invertebrate species whose presence or absence tells us something about the health of the reef. Indicators are chosen by their:

• -Measure of human impacts.
  -Ease of identification at the family level.
  -Broad distribution.
  -Ecological importance.
  -Ability to be restored.

Along the transect line, we point sample the substrate, measuring the % cover of important living and
non-living forms on the reef. We also look for coral damaging impacts from trash & anchors, coral
bleaching & disease, and keep an eye out for invasive limu.

In addition to the data we collect underwater, all Reef Check surveys include a site description detailing the environmental conditions and human impacts affecting the reef, thus allowing for comparison of site conditions worldwide!

Click here to find out about our training sessions, or follow one of the links below for a complete survey schedule on your island.

OAHU***KAUAI***MAUI***BIG ISLAND