Think reef studies are just for scientists? Think again! In 10 minutes, anyone can become a ReefSearcher!
Reef Check Australia (RCA) has just launched ReefSearch. Any snorkeler or diver can jump in and identify key Reef Check reef health indicators and record what they find using a simple underwater dive slate.
Reef Check spent 4 days on Lady Elliot Island launching and piloting the new ReefSearch program with the help from University of the Sunshine Coast tourism students and resort guests. This is just the start of a 4 month pilot program in coordination with Tourism Queensland’s Best Expedition in the World to collect public feedback about the tool in preparation for the final program implementation.
ReefSearch aims to increase awareness of reefs and reef health issues by getting people out to see the reef and record what they find. The underwater slates have been designed by Reef Check Scientists to highlight some important aspects of the reef and provide a hands-on experience of what trained Reef Check volunteers monitor on annual reef health surveys around the world.
Ben Southall, Queensland Tourism ambassador and intrepid adventurer leading the Best Expedition in the World says, “The work that Reef Check carries out helps us to understand how we can preserve the future of this highly sensitive eco-system for generations to come and working with them on the Best Expedition in the World is a chance to help with the health of the Great Barrier Reef.”
Ben will be using the ReefSearch slates at numerous reef locations on his expedition. During his expedition he will also help to engage community members in trying out the slate and provide feedback about their experience. University of the Sunshine Coast will collate and report on the public feedback to help further develop the new Reef Check program prior to full implementation later in the year.
Dr Gayle Mayes, professor of tourism and organizer of the University of the Sunshine Coast student group, says “The tourism students enjoyed meeting Ben and trialling the new program which is designed for recreational snorkelers and SCUBA divers. Lady Elliot is an excellent example of sustainable tourism practices and the ReefSearch program is a good ‘fit’ with the island and the university’s emphasis on sustainability. USC looks forward to educating more students about reef health, continuing with the trial and annual expeditions to Lady Elliot to collect trend data.”
