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.

OceansWatch offers Reef Check and CoralWatch training to OceansWatch members in Vanuatu each year.

Refer to our Training page for dates for next Reef Check training. 

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.