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| What is Community-Based Coral Reef Monitoring? | ||
| Everyone has heard of "neighborhood watch" programs, right? A group of everyday citizens--not part of any law enforcement institution--join forces to become the "eyes and ears" of their neighborhood, in order to protect their homes and their families. This sort of approach is needed because the local authorities cannot be everywhere at once, but will definitely answer a call to action if there is a problem in the community. The neighborhood watch programs are also successful because there are so many people working together with a common goal--safeguarding their homes and families. Well, with coral reef monitoring, the "authorities" are the scientists and resource managers, and there are only so many of them out there! As "citizen scientists," we can collectively become the "neighborhood watch" for the coral reef, and contribute knowledge and data that will help preserve and protect this important ecosystem. | ||
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Why is Community-Based Monitoring so Important?
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| As community stakeholders, we recognize our responsibility to act as stewards of our marine resources. Community-based coral reef monitoring gives us the opportunity to move beyond awareness and play an active role in reef conservation. With the appropriate training, we can contribute to ongoing efforts to safeguard our reefs. | ||
| Who Can Participate? |
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| Any diver or snorkeler of any age can participate in community-based coral reef monitoring programs! There are different methods that require varying amounts of training and background knowledge, so you can choose to get involved with the program that is right for you. For example, if you love to observe reef fishes and have learned to identify them by name, you could begin conducting REEF fish surveys during any of your regular diving and/or snorkeling excursions. If you are interested in other aspects of the reef ecosystem and scientific techniques, perhaps you would like to get involved in the more intensive Reef Check program. Maybe you are concerned with the impact humans are having on the reef itself, and would prefer to join the ReefWatchers program and collect information for their "human impact protocol." Use this site to learn more about these programs and how you can get involved! | ||
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Programs:
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| REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) | ||
| Visit the REEF section to learn more about this simple and fun fish survey method! Find out when and where you can attend a REEF Fish Identification workshop, or join in a Field Survey. | ||
| Reef Check International | ||
| Visit the Reef Check section to learn about this more technical method and how you can join a team in your local area. | ||
| Reef Watchers | ||
| The ReefWatchers program is based on the Big Island of Hawai'i and involves several different methodologies, including fish surveys, tidepool monitoring, and the human impact protocol. Find out how to get involved! | ||
| Visit the Community Forum and Events Calendar to find out what's happening in your area! | ||
