Make Your Dives Count. Monitor Coral Reefs.

New research indicates that more than half of the world’s coral reefs could die in less than 25 years. Human activities and climate change have contributed to the loss of 30 percent of the worlds reefs to date; another 30 percent are severely damaged.

Volunteer divers from around the world are joining a global effort to make a difference every time they dive. Through regular monitoring and data collection, divers are helping scientists discover new ways to protect coral reefs from drastic decline.

Project AWARE and CoralWatch are bringing this simple, non-invasive coral reef monitoring method to divers who are passionate enough to make a difference. CoralWatch monitoring charts have a series of colours representing different coral bleaching and recovery stages. Volunteer divers match the colour of the coral with the corresponding color on the chart and track this information over time.

Scientists will use the data collected to help answer questions about global coral bleaching and recovery patterns and how long bleaching events last. Volunteers will track the health of their local dive sites over time and compare those with reefs in other regions.

Dive professionals and resource managers can become a Project AWARE CoralWatch Dive Operator by registering at http://www.projectaware.org. CoralWatch Operators involve dive clubs, divers and other volunteers to regularly monitor reefs or combine activities with PADI Specialty Courses like the AWARE Coral Reef Conservation. After registration you’ll receive a Project AWARE CoralWatch Kit with free monitoring tools and helpful resources to implement coral reef conservation in your area.

Individuals can also take action by searching the list of registered Project AWARE CoralWatch Dive Operators at http://www.projectaware.org or emailing info@projectaware.org.au for a free Coral Health Chart.

Project AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit environmental organization working in partnership with divers and water enthusiasts to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. CoralWatch is a nonprofit research organization from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, and is composed of leading coral biologists aiming to establish global coral reef health monitoring programs and raise public awareness regarding global warming.

Contributed by Joanne Marston added 2007-02-05