Reef Check

[LCF]

I know somebody on this board is involved with the Reef Check program, but I did a search and couldn't find where it had been written about.

One of my dearest diving friends is heavily involved with Reef Check in LA, and I thought the idea sounded like one worth supporting. I just finished the article on Reef Check in Dive Training, and thought, "You know, stop talking about it and get involved." But I don't know where to start!

[WylerBear]

Are you confusing Reef Check with doing REEF surveys? Both programs are well worth it but are 2 different things. If you search the web for Reef Check it takes you right to their home page.
If you want to get involved with doing REEF surveys there are several people on this board including Janna, Valerie, or myself who would be happy to get you started. Even if you wanted to do something with Reef Check maybe you can do both?

[Chevayea]

Even if you wanted to do something with Reef Check maybe you can do both?

What are the differences between the two?

[coachrenz]

Even if you wanted to do something with Reef Check maybe you can do both?

What are the differences between the two?

I know very little about Reef Check, but I know a bit about REEF.

One difference that I did note in my quick reading of the pictures accompanying the article in Dive Training is that it appears that Reef Check surveys along a transect. REEF does a Roving Diver Technique. Basically with the Transect, you lay a line and you survey along that line every time. With the roving diver technique, you just dive as you would any other dive and you survey as you dive.

IMO, I have done both types of surveying, and for general purposes, the Roving Diver technique is way more interesting. REEF has figured out a way to make the data relevant and useful.

[nwscubamom]

LCF, I poked around the Reefcheck website a bit and came up with the following differences between the two programs:

1. Transect surveys
2. Surveying only in tropical areas and California - nothing in NW
3. Must be 'certified' by their training program to participate
4. Training costs $$$
5. Certification expires within one year and you must recertify
6. Data is submitted via excel spreadsheets
7. Specific list of fish, invertebrates and substrate are surveyed
8. Condition of coral is noted

Those were the big differences I could see. With the REEF program, you can start on your own learning the fish/invertebrates - but to advance in different experience levels you must take tests and complete so many surveys.

Also, as was noted before, REEF uses the Roving Diver technique, not transect. There are free classes to be had - with no 'certification' necessary. Data is separated according to experience levels. Anyone can start surveying right away, even without a class.

And the big difference for our area is that Reefcheck doesn't collect data here - only REEF. Data through REEF is now submitted online - very easy to do. REEF surveys ALL fish, a limited list of invertebrates, and no substrate or conditions.

Hope that helps!

- Janna

[LCF]

Thank you, Janna.

The more I read about underwater conditions, the more convinced I become that all of us who dive need to be involved in some kind of project that collects data on the health of the underwater environment. I want to be part of doing that. Sounds like the REEF program is what I should get involved with, here in Puget Sound. I'll find out how to start.

[nwscubamom]

Very cool, I think you'll get satisfaction from the REEF program!

Here's how you start:

http://www.pnwscuba.com/critterwatchers/quickstart.htm

Let us know if you have any questions - there are tons of folks on NWDC who are heavily involved with REEF and can help.

- Janna

[LCF]

Thanks, Janna.