Reef Check

Reef Check is a global methodology used to monitor the health of the coral reefs in a number of countries. There are three main categories fish, invertebrates and substrates. For each category there are a number of key indicator species that directly relate to the health of the coral reef systems.

Within the Sapodilla Cays there are six study sites where Reef Check surveys are conducted. Each is strategically placed in different locations covering the whole marine reserve in order to gain a good spatial resolution of results. 

What will you be doing?

The Team Scientist or Team Leader lays the 100m transect line. There are 3 buddy teams, one for fish, one for invertebrates and one for substrates. The fish survey is conducted first in order that the fish do not get disturbed prior to the survey. One buddy times whilst the other counts the indicator fish in 5 metre cube areas for 1.5 minutes.  This is then repeated along the line. The next team surveys invertebrates with one buddy on each side of the line. They count the invertebrates inside a 2.5 metre width on each side of the transect line. This requires looking under rocks and ledges and into holes in order to find the species. The 3rd team counts the substrates. One buddy has a plumb line with a small weight on the end, the diver drops the line onto markings at each 50cm (.05m) interval and gives a hand sign to their buddy who then records the data onto a slate. The Team Scientist conducts a site description which includes any coral damage, anchor damage, disease etc. Some of the fascinating marine life you will encounter along the way includes whale sharks, turtles and lobsters.