Australia is home to the world’s most extensive and pristine coral reefs
Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s greatest icons, but beautiful and biodiverse coral reefs are also found in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the Cocos Keeling Islands.

Coral reefs are valuable assets
Coral reefs provide food for, shelter coastlines from storms and tidal waves, support fish, nursery ground, tourism industry

The world’s coral reefs are in crisis
In 1997, Reef Check conducted the first-ever global survey of coral reef health that provided scientific confirmation that our coral reefs were in crisis. The results, published in a scientific journal in 1999, shocked many marine biologists who had not realized the extent of human impacts on reefs.

In August 2002, Reef Check released its first five-year report, The Global Coral Reef Crisis – Trends and Solutions. The report concluded that there was virtually no reef in the world that remained untouched by human impacts yet the success stories discussed in the report show that, with proper monitoring, management and protection, coral reefs can recover.

Australia’s coral reefs are not immune to these threats
Although Australia’s coral reefs are among the best managed in the world they are still susceptible to impacts.

It is up to us.  Take EcoAction!
Reef Check’s EcoAction program has been designed to directly involve you in coral reef conservation through a high quality range of interactive educational products that have been developed by Reef Check scientists.

The Underwater reef guide: indo-pacific, enhance your diving experience!
Whether you are new to diving or an old-hand, the Underwater Reef Guide can be used by anyone with a desire to increase their knowledge and understanding of the fascinating Indo-Pacific coral reef ecosystem... <more>

Enrol in our training course and join a volunteer survey team
Becoming a Reef Check volunteer is a fun way to help conserve your local reef whilst making friends within the local community and being a part of the global Reef Check network.  Once trained, you can participate in free-of-charge expeditions on the Great Barrier Reef and at other locations around the globe*, gaining practical experience in monitoring coral reef health, logging lots of dives and improving you underwater skills. <more>
*expeditions in other parts of the world may be subject to charges.

Courses coming in 2008
In 2008 Reef Check Australia will offer additional short courses as part of the EcoAction Program. A half day course will allow you to Discover Reef Check and the other will see you qualify as a Reef Check EcoDiver. <more>

The Underwater reef guide: indo-pacific

Enhance your snorkeling experience!
The Underwater Reef Guide can be used by anyone with a desire to increase their knowledge and understanding of the fascinating Indo-Pacific coral reef ecosystem.

It’s like taking a marine biologist with you on every dive!
Developed by Reef Check marine biologists, the waterproof Reef Guide contains photographs and information on corals, reef fish, invertebrates and algae, allowing you to identify them. These organisms were selected for their local abundance and their role in ecosystem health.

Participate in our global Reef Check monitoring program!
The re-useable slate allows you to record what you seed.  You can then submit your data online. Your results will directly assist Reef Check’s marine scientists to track the health of Australia’s coral reefs and contribute to our global coral reef status reports.

Help to conserve the Earth’s threatened coral reefs!
When you buy an Underwater Reef Guide the proceeds will be used to support local conservation efforts.

Reef Check Adventures
Reef Check Adventures, aimed at 7-12 year olds, is an exciting and challenging activity book that brings the dazzling and diverse world of coral reefs to life.  Did you know that sea urchins have five jaws, or that many reef fish change sex as they grow up?  These and many other fun coral reef facts are revealed in over 40 pages illustrated with colour photographs and drawings.  The activity book includes simple instructions for a series of fun experiments that can be done at home to help realise many of the concepts introduced in the text.  Kids will be able to make their own disappearing squid, learn how a lobster uses antennae and how a sea sponge filters food from the water.

Young readers will also discover the importance of their role in the conservation and survival of the world’s coral reefs.

Reef Check Adventures will be available to buy online soon.  Please contact support@reefcheckaustralia.org to purchase a copy.  Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to support local conservation efforts.

Join Reef Check Australia
Become a Reef Check Australia member today for free and receive our quarterly e-newsletter with updates on our projects and training courses.

Sign the International Declaration of Reef Rights
In honour of the International Year of the Reef in 2008, Reef Check is requesting you sign our Declaration of Reef Rights.  We would like to present the Declaration along with a list of one million names to all coral reef country governments in January 2009.  The purpose of this pledge is to highlight the high value of coral reefs and to encourage all people and governments to support coral reef conservation.

Make a Donation to Reef Check Australia
Reef Check Australia is a registered charity with gift recipient status that relies on donations to support their vital projects and programs. 

Purchase EcoAction products online.

Purchase Reef Check Australia branded merchandise online.

All proceeds help support Reef Check Australia.