Reefcheck

Reef Check is a reef from the expressions (German: coral reef ) and check ( German: review ) composite artificial word. The name referred Reef Check

Reef Check method

With the Reef Check method of the degree caused by marine pollution, over-fishing, dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, aquarium fishing and global change ( inter alia, climate change, ocean acidification ) Damage to tropical coral reefs can be determined.

Coral reefs represent a coherent ecosystem, which consists of how the corals themselves, even from the of and living in the reefs fish and invertebrates ( invertebrates ) and the environmental media water. By comparing the frequency of selected riffbewohnender species ( indicator species ) with that of intact coral reefs of the integrity level of a Riffabschnitts is quantitatively determined.

Each of these species is used as a bioindicator for one or more causes of loss ( see table). To take account of regional differences in distribution of indicator species account, there is for the Indo-Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean / Caribbean Sea, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Hawaii each have their own combination of indicator species based there.

The counts take place in two depth ranges, 3-6 meters, 10 and 12 meters ( at low tide). For this purpose (mark line ) are determined in each depth range four 20 meter long and 5 meter wide transects (sections) by applying a transect line. The distance between two adjacent transects is 5 meters.

The density and the condition of the coral fouling is measured by the substrate located along the transects is classified into one of nine defined groups: stony coral, soft coral, recently dead coral, sponge, algae, rocks, boulders, sand, silt. Specific provisions are made ​​at a distance of 50 centimeters along the transect line.

Exact outcrops of the collected data can be obtained only after statistical analysis, whereby the quality of the data sets can be estimated.

Reef Check organization

To coordinate the world held Reef Check was started in 1997 with the construction of the organization Reef Check. In 1999, the registration as a charitable non-profit organization in Hong Kong. As of mid- 2000, the Reef Check Foundation had its seat at the Environment Institute of the University of California ( UCLA) in Los Angeles (USA). Since November 2004, Reef Check is an independent non-profit organization based in Pacific Palisades, California. All data collected will be evaluated there for Reef Check and archived for further scientific studies. In addition, additionally 12 fixed coordination sites opened worldwide. From 1997 to 2002, 1,500 reefs, which is about 300 per year, reviewed by the Reef Check method. The data collected from more than 5,000 scientists and volunteers were analyzed and published.

Reef Check Germany works closely with the international Reef Check Foundation, however, does not receive any funds or in-kind. Reef Check Germany currently has focus in the Red Sea, Burma / Thailand and the Maldives. 2001, the nonprofit organization Reef Check was founded eV in order to better coordinate the activities and to encourage, by individuals and companies. Besides working with scuba divers ( range of RC courses in Germany or offer for voluntary participation in a vacation) and assessments are undertaken and support marine protected areas in creating / improving their monitoring plans. To this end, there are professionals trained in the appropriate methods ( national park rangers, etc.).

The main tasks of Reef Check in particular:

• Educating the public about the immediate threat to coral reefs
• The establishment of a global network of volunteers who examine the reefs regularly for the Reef Check method
• The scientific study of coral reef ecosystem
• Promoting cooperation between academic bodies, NGOs, government administration and the private sector to protect and preserve the coral reefs
• Support of development projects for the sustainable management of the seas

The work of Reef Check is funded primarily through cash and in-kind, which so far, the bulk of the donations from private donors and from the diving and surfing sports sector.

Development history of Reef Check

The development of the Reef Check method began in 1993. Starting point was that of Prof. Ginsburg of the University of Miami (Florida, USA) held scientific colloquium on " Global Aspects of Coral Reefs ". The participating marine researchers concluded that to assess the state of the world's coral reefs there was insufficient data. In the ensuing discussion about the causes of the lack of data, it became clear that the hitherto known methods of investigation were not suitable to investigate the world and on a regular basis so that the damage to the reefs. This was because the methods were either too regionally specific and is therefore not applicable everywhere, or too complex, so it took a whole team of scientists to investigate only a single reef. To bundle the existing efforts to include a larger number of volunteers and bring a breakthrough, a group of marine scientists declared under the chairmanship of Prof. Ginsburg 1997 publicity to the International Year of the Reef ( IYOR ). In the same year have been held the first Reef Check, among others, in the Red Sea off Hurghada, Egypt.

In the aftermath of IYOR initiative by Dr. Gregor Hodgson 1998 was published Reef Check method. Their most important features are its universal applicability to all tropical coral reefs worldwide and easy carry. Volunteers can already learn the application of the method in a one-day training, so that only a marine scientist is required for the investigation of a reef. In addition to the sports diving equipment are required as technical aids only marking linen and underwater writing boards.

Reef Check Campaign

In order to follow the evolution of tropical coral reefs, reef sites worldwide representative must be examined at least once a year with the Reef Check method. As a purely donor-supported initiative Reef Check can do this only through the support of volunteers, such as:

• Provide local recreational divers bases, training facilities and diving equipment and arrange transportation to the investigated reefs
• Companies whose commercial activity pollutes the reefs and instruct the Reef Check with the investigation of the effects
• Control residents, such as fishermen who are affected by the consequences caused by them self overfishing and the success of protected areas and catch limits
• Scuba divers and snorkelers who participate during their holiday stay for a few days to Reef Check.