REEFSearch

REEFSearch is an exciting new community engagement program  that aims to increase the community's understanding of reefs and awareness of reef health issues.

The REEFSearch identification and observation tools can be used by anyone snorkelling or scuba diving, with no need for prior training. We want to encourage everyone to do more than just look at the reefs they visit! Instead, we're providing the basic knowledge and tools to search for and record some specific & important reef organisms and reef impacts, then share what you find.

REEFSearch is conducted using our special REEFSearch slates. The slates have been designed by Reef Check Scientists to highlight some important aspects of the reef. By educating people and getting them to look for specific items it will focus people's attention to what's making up the reef, what's living on the reef and what's impacting the reef. It will also give hands-on experience of what Reef Check Volunteers around the world monitor on our annual reef health surveys.

When this program is implemented in full, then REEFSearchers will be able to share their information and underwater photos with us and others via an online system.

To participate in a REEFSearch survey you do not need any special equipment. All you need is your usual snorkelling or diving gear and one of our special REEFSearch underwater slates. The slates give a simple overview of how to conduct your REEFSearch survey and highlights the different organisms and impacts that we would like you to keep an eye out for.

PILOT REPORT

REEFSearch Pilot

We are currently piloting our new REEFSearch program. We just finished up numerous trials with the 4 month-long Best Expedition in the World we'll be continuing to invite people to try out the new program and provide feedback through out 2011. This valuable information will help us fine-tune the program before it is officially rolled-out.

If you would like to be a part of this new pilot program, or for further information please contact Jenn (jenn@reefcheckaustralia.org).

May 22 to 25, a team of 4 tourism students from the Business School at University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) helped us to pilot and launch the new in-water program at Lady Elliot Island EcoResort. USC will help to investigate the type of information collected through the program as well as collecting feedback from participants.

July 24 we invited Magnetic Island to try out the new REEFSearch slates. We had 50 people come join us at Alma Bay to hop in and give it a try! A big thanks to Townsville City Council for providing the funding support to make it happen and to our Magnetic Island partners Reef Safari and Base Hostel for providing such generous in-kind support.

On July 27 we visited Bwgcolman Community School on Palm Island for an amazing day of snorkeling and REEFSearching in Pencil Bay. We've gotten some great suggestions from the kids and some positive responses for integrating REEFSearch into the marine science curriculum.

Through September 2011, Ben Southall and his Expedition team were using and distributing the ReefSearch pilot slates as they traveled up the length of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover what Ben found during his ReefSearch on his blog! Keep watching Reef Check Australia for updates too!

REEFSearch on the Best Expedition in the World

Want to learn more about the Best Expedition in the World?

Program Support

Our ReefSearch pilot would not have been possible without the support of local business and partners. A big thanks to AirAsia, our first Adopt a Reef sponsor, Cardzilla, who graciously donated 100 slates for the ReefSearch pilot program and Red Crayon, who kindly provided the design work for the brand-new program.

Cardzilla business partners Andrew, Jools and Steve have all been involved in the Dive industry in Far North Queensland for the past 18 years. "We are all extremely interested in assisting any research, education and conservation programs which will benefit our reef, dive industry and QLD tourism. We are proud to be part of the Best Expedition in the World."

"Red Crayon is proud to support Reef Search Australia in creatively developing their exciting ReefSearch slate.  Red Crayon strongly believe in environmental sustainability and we were happy to assist Reef Search Australia with this innovative and important initiative.  Red Crayon delivers strategic, social media, digital and design solutions to its clients internationally and across Australia's eastern seaboard.  Red Crayon: a different agency experience."

Are YOU interested in getting invovled?

If you would like more information about REEFSearch or any other Reef Check programs then please email: jenn@reefcheckaustralia.org