Caribbean Coral Reef Monitoring

Through reef monitoring and data collection, a better picture can be obtained concerning stressors to the reef ecosystem and strategies by which they can be mitigated. We work together with universities and individual researchers around the globe that share our goals to protect this beautiful and productive ecosystem.

CARRIACOU CORAL REEFS

The coral reefs around Carriacou are a beautiful and biodiverse ecosystem, teeming with vast array of marine species from large nurse sharks to tiny anemone shrimp! Carriacou is known as the ‘Isle of Reefs’ and contains some of the most unspoiled coral reefs in the region. Caribbean Reef Buddy and our partners work closely with the local Sandy Island Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area (SIOBMPA) to safeguard and preserve this treasured ecosystem.

Though our reefs are still full of life, increasing stress due to climate change, over-fishing and invasive species could threaten their future survival. The monitoring of reef health throughout different locations around the world is crucial for identifying global trends and setting priorities for future research and conservation.

TRAINING IN CORAL REEF SURVEYS

Since 2014 Caribbean Reef Buddy has been monitoring our local reef systems, and working in partnership with several international organizations. Providing data on coral health, bleaching events, and the successful recovery of coral reefs surrounding Carriacou. We train our volunteers in several types of international reef monitoring protocols, including Reef Check, Reef.org surveys and Coral Watch. As a volunteer during this project week, you will dive nearly every day surveying the several reefs around Carriacou.

Caribbean Reef Buddy Continuous Reef Monitoring Project

CORAL REEF SURVEY DATA COLLECTION

Using Reef Check, Caribbean Reef Buddy surveys key Caribbean indicator species to gauge the health of the reef. We train volunteers to perform surveys by recognizing benthic macroinvertebrates, substrates, corals, and reef fish. Data collected by volunteers is entered into a Reef Check database, allowing both regional and international analysis of results. These Reef Check dives provide continuous data on biodiversity and the long-term health of the reefs, thus helping inform decision making in regards to how reef areas are used and protected.

ONGOING MONITORING WORK

Through our methods of reef monitoring and data collection, a better picture can be obtained concerning stressors to the reef ecosystem and strategies by which they can be mitigated. We work together with universities and individual researchers around the globe that share our goals to protect this beautiful and productive ecosystem. In the summer of 2023, through surveying, Caribbean Reef Buddy was able to identify changes in reef structure brought about by the population explosion of flamingo tongue snails, which started to destroy huge stretches of soft coral. We were then able to act fast, pulling together efforts from partner dive shops and authorities from the Sandy Island Oyster Bed MPA to remove snails and restore soft coral through propagation. Check out our ‘Coral Propagation & Fragmentation’ project for more details.

Caribbean Reef Buddy Coral Reef Monitoring

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