Beach Cleanup

Klong Hin Beach – 13th September 2008 – 8:30am – 2:00pm
All Welcome! - The objective of the coastal cleanup is to raise awareness to the public, children, hotel and resort operators, private and local government sector regarding the major issues concerning garbage disposal from humans ending up in the ocean. We learnt last year that collected and sorted garbage ends up at the dump site up the hill where it then deteriorates and contaminates the river, and ultimately ends up in the ocean.

Kids Recycled-Rubbish Art Exhibition

Lanta Old Town Community Museum – 14th September 2008
Exhibition to display local children’s artwork from ‘Junior Artist of the Andaman’ and ‘Beach Detective’ Workshops

Save the Nature band from the Petra National Marine Park will perform music about climate change, to save seashells for the seashore, let’s clean up the beach etc.

Exhibitions on Marine Litter:

Beach Detective

Local Schools Workshop – 6-7th September 2008
Green World Foundation is to conduct a seashore ecology education session with representatives of students, teachers and Dive Instructors to teach the value of seashore ecology and how to monitor and collect standardised data for Regional and International databases.

Junior Artist of the Andaman

Local Schools – June-August 2008
Children learnt how to recycle paper and the process of making paper. The using rubbish collected from the beach as decoration, they made their own notebook which they wrote and drew about their experiences to do with environmental topics such as trees, the ocean, tourists, the environment and garbage.

About International Cleanup Day:

Project AWARE spearheads global underwater cleanups during International Cleanup Day and year round. This annual volunteer event addresses the devastating impact of marine debris on the aquatic environment.

Project AWARE empowers dive centers and individuals to clean the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers and shorelines. Volunteers take part in practical cleanup solutions and collect data which is vital for change.

International Cleanup Day is held annually on the 3rd Saturday in September but cleanup and data collection activities are supported by Project AWARE, partners and volunteers on an ongoing basis.

In 2007 a total of 358,617 recorded volunteers helped Project AWARE clean 34,560 miles of shoreline and remove seven million pounds of rubbish.

Take part in the on-line Global Shark Assessment Survey.

The Global Shark Assessment is a project that aims to evaluate how shark populations have changed since the beginning of industrial-scale fishing, and make predictions about how these populations will respond to global climate change and to different methods of fishing and protection. They use scuba diver’s observations to census shark populations at different locations around the world.

With overwhelming evidence that shark populations have declined dramatically over the last 50 years, there are still places where some shark species are persisting and even thought to be thriving. Identification of these species and areas is an important step in determining the best method for recovery. In a time when the number of no-take zones and fishing restrictions are increasing, there is a need for acquiring data through alternative, non-extractive methods. All scuba divers/snorkelers that have been in the ocean can help with this effort.

Sharks are an essential component of marine ecosystems; yet, human pressure has put many species at dangerously low abundance levels. Determining what tools (e.g. Marine Protected Areas, coastal development, undisturbed nurseries, fishing regulations, etc.) are best for their survival will be essential for restoring, at least in part, these systems to their former resilience.

Who can help?

ANYONE that has ever dived or snorkeled in the ocean! All ocean going divers (professionals, recreational, and tourists) are candidates for this survey. The on-line survey should be filled out after each dive you make – even if you do not see any sharks. This survey is for dives that you have environmental and sightings information for (either you have just done this dive or it has been recorded in a logbook)- again it must include dives where you did and did not see sharks.

How can I help?

Fill in the online survey – it should only take a few minutes (1-2 minutes per area).

Then, forward this survey to as many divers or dive shops that you can. The more people that fill out this survey, the more we will know about the sharks people see.

What are the results so far?

To see the number of surveys filled out by location and percentage of shark sightings by location please visit the results page.

The Global Shark Assessment – background

Sharks are in trouble worldwide – For these animals to survive, we need
to reduce fishing effort by half and have a global ban on shark finning.

Dr. Myers and colleagues launched the Global Shark Assessment in October of 2003 to assess how global shark populations have changed since the beginning of industrial scale fishing, and to make predictions about how these populations will respond to global climate change and to different methods of fishing.

Sharks (and other elasmobranches) are vulnerable to fishing pressure because they are long-lived, slow to mature, and produce few offspring compared with most other fish. Hence, directed fishing can much more quickly decimate sharks than other fish species.

Sharks are also often taken as bycatch in multi-species fisheries in which the target species are quick to replenish themselves while the sharks are not. This occurs in pelagic longline fisheries that target highly productive tuna species, but catch great numbers of sharks. It also occurs along southeastern U.S. coast where there is a bottom longline fishery that is targeted at sharks, but that catches many different shark species with different vulnerabilities to over-fishing. In these fisheries, the slow-to-reproduce shark species may be fished to extinction, while the more productive fishes continue to drive the industry.

“We need to find out how general shark declines are across all the world’s oceans,” says Myers. As fishing pressure is intense everywhere, the situation he and researcher Julia Baum detected in the Gulf of Mexico may prove to be part of a general phenomena.

Currently, there exist both substantial amounts of unanalyzed data on sharks and a large number of dedicated shark biologists. However, these two key resources have not, as yet, been utilized to their full potential. The Global Shark Assessment will put the data and biological experts together with a team of modeling and statistical experts to produce a global assessment, with an emphasis on producing results in a form that is accessible to decision makers.

Specifically, the Global Shark Assessment will:

The potential benefits of shark conservation are great. In protecting a host of large, charismatic, but particularly vulnerable species, shark conservation offers the opportunity to protect not just sharks, but the myriad other species and ecosystems with which and in which sharks interact. Hence, at stake are not merely sharks, but our still vastly misunderstood marine realm.

“It will be impossible to set management and restoration goals for these shark species without a clear understanding of how much we have lost. Our studies provide this missing baseline,” says Baum.

Take part in the on-line Global Shark Assessment Survey.

After conducting some exploratory dives on the Kantiang Bay House Reef we’ve observed some extremely interesting macro life. There are colonies of nudibranches that we’ve never seen on other dive sites in the area, as well as many species of juvenile fish, small rays and anemones. There are even some small Gorgonian Sea Fans and Table Corals. Just on our doorstep is an area of bio-diversity that we never even knew about!

Having discovered such a wealth of macro-life and healthy breeding ground for many reef fish, we realised this was something that needed to be preserved and conserved.

We consulted with local fishermen who confirmed that this area was rich in marine life and had been for as long as anyone could remember and discussed a plan to clean up the reef and moor it off as a protected area.

We removed many old fishing nets and other debris and discovered many unusual and rare species at the same time. We looked at the least obtrusive way to mooring the line to protect the largest area and avoid too much pull from the tide – especially during the south-west monsoon season, when conditions can get pretty rough in the bay.

With a team that included Darrel, Pod, Buah, Po and Sanae, we took a couple of sets of diving gear, plenty of rope with floats already rigged-up and set out by longtail boat to set our line.

Taking care to only anchor the line points in sandy areas on the bottom – so that we didn’t harm any of the reef we were trying to protect – we slowly cordoned off a large area of about 300 square metres.

Our House-Reef Cleaning and Macro-ID Projects have allowed us to rejuvenate an area of neglected reef and identify several new and rare species
Our Mooring Buoy Project protects a substantial area of this reef safeguarding a large population of newly discovered juvenile fish, providing a safe area for swimmers and allowing local boat activities to continue without harming fragile reef environments.

New Species Identified:
9 new species of Nudibranch have been identified that are not normally seen on our regular dive sites. Please see http://aqualogy.org/latest-news/nudibranch-full-list for a full list.

Several new rare or unusual species of Pipefish, Shrimpfish and Moray Eels have been identified in relative abundance on our house reef. Please see the following links for further info: (Macro Paradise & Muck Diving in Kantiang Bay)

We’ve discovered that our House Reef is a haven for juvenile fish and macro-life and gives us a dive location that does not require making a trip out on the boat to enjoy – benefiting the environment with further fuel reductions

Positive Impact:
Our house reef is much healthier now that old fishing lines and nets have been largely removed. Fishing boats no longer fish or drop anchors over this reef and there is now a protected and safe area for swimmers and juvenile fish to enjoy and prosper.

Fishing is a huge part of many family’s lives on Koh Lanta. The key to success in protecting the environment, is to create a new generation of ambassadors who themselves see the value of caring about the environment. In a community where almost everyone learns about fishing, an education in eco-awareness and marine life conservation can only be a positive combination. In order for plentiful fish stocks to be available for future generations, it is essential for us to look after reefs, where the juvenile fish can shelter.

Through local meetings with community leaders, and by educating the local children who will be our future generation of underwater conservationists, we hope to make a difference that can be seen by the local community. By contributing in this way, we hope that the future of both our cultural heritage and the natural beauty of our oceans, can survive.

What is ‘MacroLife’?

Macrolife is really just a term for small fish and other marine life. By focusing on the small things you can often ’see’ far more of the life that inhabits just a small area of a reef.

Nudibranches are a small animal that divers often get excited about. These sea slugs (or soft-bodied snails) belong to the suborder Nudibranchia, the largest suborder of the order Opisthobranchia. There are more than 3,000 described species, among which are some of the most colourful creatures on earth. It is believed that these bright colours have evolved for both camouflage and defense.

We have already identified over 9 different species of Nudibranch on our House Reef, and look forward to finding more interesting life!

Project AWARE Foundation honors dive operators around the world who display commitment and excellence in their efforts to protect underwater environments within business operations and their community.

Project AWARE Foundation Chairman, Dr. Drew Richardson recognizes the importance of the scuba diving community taking its part on protection of global ecosystems.

“The Environment Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation. More importantly, this award ensures the enjoyment of underwater environments for future generations,”

states Richardson.

“Project Aware recognises that Scubafish and Narima Diving operate in an environmentally responsible manner and demonstrate an outstanding commitment to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project Aware is pleased to award them the Project Aware Environmental Achievement Award for 2007.”

Background:
Scubafish is a small, eco-friendly, PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Resort located near the National Marine Park in Kantiang Bay in the South of Ko Lanta. Narima Diving is a PADI Dive Centre set within the Narima Resort, a beautifully designed, eco-chic resort located within natural rain forest that has been growing on the island for thousands of years. All bungalows have been constructed from natural, ecological materials that blend well into the surroundings and construction was planned around the existing trees. It’s hard to spot the resort from the sea as it seems to disappear into the natural rainforest backdrop. Sustainable tourism methods are utilised to provide low-impact, simple and environmentally conscious accommodation.

Scubafish and Narima Diving offer 3 key areas for Diver Education:

• PADI 5 Star, Gold Palm IDC Training Facility
• Liquid Lense – Underwater Digital Imaging Academy
• Aqualogy – Marine Education Centre

Our reputation stems from high quality personal service, dedication to the marine environment and our love of the aquatic world. We offer a unique diving experience to divers visiting Ko Lanta, Thailand.

In response to dramatic changes in our local reef health (specifically Hin Muang), we set out to make environmental awareness and conservation our main goal. In 2007, we introduced AQUALOGY – Marine Education Centre. Founded as a joint project between Scubafish and Aqualogy’s Marine Scientists, Aqualogy provides a variety of courses and marine education to divers on holiday, and is also a base for Coral Reef Research and Reef Monitoring Projects. We work with ReefCheck to supply research and data to contribute to their Global Reef Monitoring Project.

We focus on the importance of conserving underwater environments, and how we can, through education and action, make a difference to the world we live in. Aqualogy is involved in a number of marine conservation, research and local community projects. We believe that we are in a unique position to be able to actively put something back into the environment in which we live. Environmental education and awareness materials help us to educate, divers, non-divers and locals in the importance of protecting our oceans and reefs.

Current Environmental Awareness Recognition:
• Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award
• Project AWARE – Go ECO Operator
• Project AWARE – CoralWatch Operator
• Green Fins Member
• ReefCheck Training Facility
• EU Responsible Tourism Award – Scubafish and Narima Diving were 2 of only 9 Dive Centres in Thailand recognised as meeting European Standards for Sustainable Tourism Management in Thailand.

Environmentally Aware Diver Education offered:

• PADI – AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course
• PADI – Whale Shark Awareness Diver Specialty Course
• ReefCheck – Discover ReefCheck Course
• ReefCheck – EcoDiver Course
• Aqualogy – Tropical Reef Diver Course
• Aqualogy – Discover Marine Habitats
• Aqualogy – Discover Fish Ecology
• Aqualogy – Discover Zoology
• Aqualogy – Discover Oceanography
• Aqualogy Reef Plus Course – Sharks & Rays (Cartilaginous Fish)
• Aqualogy Reef Plus Course – Venomous Species
• Aqualogy Reef Plus Course – Coral Life
• Aqualogy Reef Plus Course – Tropical Reef Fish (Bony Fish)

Community Project Involvement and Initiatives:

Project CleanUp – We’re actively involved in regular Beach and Reef Clean Up Projects. We regularly schedule community beach clean-ups and get the local kids, residents and tourists involved. We participate in Project AWARE Beach Clean-Ups and encourage all our divers to pick up any litter they see on the beaches or on the reefs.

Sustainable Tourism Standards – Scubafish and Narima Diving were 2 of only 9 Dive Centres in Thailand recognised as meeting European Standards for Sustainable Tourism Management in Thailand.

Project Swim – We are initiating a project in conjunction with our Thai Divemaster and a European swimming Instructor to teach kids from the local community to swim. We take this opportunity to impart a reef-conscious outlook and emphasize the need to protect the marine environment. Many local families rely heavily on fishing, so it is easy to present the huge positive benefit in preserving the environment they depend on.

Public Awareness Education:

• Explanations displayed in Thai about
o responsible diving practices,
o responsible waste management practices,
o responsible boat mooring practices
o reef-conscious diving and buoyancy practices.
• Presentations given to locals about benefits of recycling, reducing plastic and polystyrene overuses
• Support of local recycling initiatives

Child Participation:

We get all our Bubblemakers involved in CoralWatch reef-health monitoring. They love taking the slates diving and gaining a sense of satisfaction in contributing towards conserving our coral reefs.

Boat & Dive Briefings and Information:

• Active encouragement all our staff and divers to take an active interest in protecting the marine life they observe whilst diving.
• Information on display from Project Aware Go ECO and Greenfins that details, in English and Thai:
o responsible diving practices,
o responsible waste management practices,
o responsible boat mooring practices
o reef-conscious diving and buoyancy practices.
• Environmentally-informative briefings on the boat and before each dive which include information about:
o waste management on the boat
o marine life interaction – demonstrating to interact in a passive, low-impact way
o fish ID information
o information about threats to various costal and underwater environments and habitats so that everyone who takes part in one of our trips becomes interested and aware of the issues surrounding the need for conservation and preservation.
• Marine Scientists onboard to give presentations on marine eco-systems, marine habitats, threats and conservation action required.
• We require a buoyancy check dive be completed by ever diver wishing to participate in reef monitoring or marine biology dives or courses

Advocacy:

Daily Dive Site Data Collection Project – Our Daily Data Collection project involves collecting daily information about water temperature, current and fish data. We hope to learn and observe seasonal patterns in different species, local to our area.

Reef Surveys – We participate in the ReefCheck EcoAction programme and contribute to their global survey of Reef Health. We also offer Discover ReefCheck and ReefCheck – EcoDiver courses, for an introduction to (and certification in) reef monitoring and surveying techniques.

Permanent Transact Line Project – To enhance our commitment to ReefCheck we are building a permanent Transact Line to enable ReefCheck dives to be conducted more easily and to provide more consistent data for their worldwide reef-surveying project.

Research Projects:

Project Whale Shark – We are working to create a Lanta Whale Shark Sightings Database, so that we can track if the same individuals return each year and if they follow a path between dive sites in our area. You can also take the PADI Whale Shark Awareness Course. This course gives an introduction to the world’s largest fish and will familiarise you with the proper techniques for diving with Whale Sharks so as to cause minimal impact on the sharks’ habitat and behaviour.

Artificial Reef Project – we start this project by running tests to see if this area can support an artificial reef. We hope that by creating new sheltered areas for reefs to grow will promote the continued sustainability of the diversity of marine life we see in our area. We plan to submerge various test materials at varying locations and depths to see which materials perform the best. Over a period of time, we can monitor potential coral growth at each location to determine the best artificial reef scenario. Video and photo logs will be kept alongside data sheets and monitoring data.

Action

Good Mooring Practices – To reduce impact on the environment, increase boat performance and ultimately save money on operation costs, our boat has been fitted with the very first set of highly efficient, low emission’s Suzuki V6 DF300′s in Thailand. The Shallow-V hull design combined with the big, efficient, high output Suzuki engines, mean that as well as smoother, faster journeys, we now have 65% lower emissions than the EPA 2006 Standards.
We set up moorings for our boats in a bay in the south of Lanta. This puts us closer to the dive sites, therefore making our journey times considerably shorter, which means less fuel used.

Recycling & Waste Management – On board we provide bags to help us recycle refuse, and display posters to advocate reducing impact on the environment.

Reef & Costal Conservation Projects – House Reef Mapping Project – Ko Lanta is a fairly unusual island in this area, in that it does not have a coral reef around the island. Here in Kantiang Bay, in the South of Ko Lanta, we are one of the only beaches in Ko Lanta to have any coral reef growth. We have conducted some exploratory dives on these reefs and have observed some extremely interesting macro life. There are colonies of nudibranches that we have never seen on other dive sites in the area, as well as many species of juvenile fish, small rays and anemones. There are even some small Gorgonian Sea Fans and Table Corals.
One of our projects for 2007-08 is to effectively map this area and identify as many of the species that inhabit it, as we can.

Community Conservation Projects – Underwater Reef Clean-Ups are a regular part of our dive season. We are working on a project to rejuvenate our recently discovered House Reef in Kantiang Bay. Currently, there is a promising amount of reef growth, however many fishing lines and debris are disturbing the reef from flourishing as it should.

Our Lanta Community Project is an ongoing commitment to give something back to the community we are part of. We educate community members about the importance of conserving underwater environments. Also, learning to swim is not something that every child automatically learns, despite living on a small island. It is our aim to provide swimming lessons to local schools and communities .

Volunteer Projects

Fishing is a huge part of many family’s lives on Koh Lanta. The key to success in protecting the environment, is to create a new generation of ambassadors who themselves see the value of caring about the environment. In a community where almost everyone learns about fishing, an education in eco-awareness and marine life conservation, can only be a positive combination. In order for plentiful fish stocks to be available for future generations, it is essential for us to look after reefs, where the juvenile fish can shelter, right now.

Through local meetings with community leaders, and by educating the local children who will be our future generation of underwater conservationists, we hope to make a difference that can be seen by the local community. By contributing in this way, we hope that the future of both our cultural heritage and the natural beauty of our oceans, can survive.

The Manta’s that visit Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are almost certainly coming to be cleaned, as we investigated whilst diving with them over the last few days. At first, we observed the rays slowing down as they approached the reef – this is where the cleaner fish can be found in abundance. Then, once the wrasse realised that they were allowed to clean the Mantas, they swam inside the gills, close to the mouth and all over the ray’s body, to feed on the organisms that parasitize the giant. Hopefully the rays enjoy this treatment for some more time so we can enjoy the marveling at this fantastic Manta display!

It is also believed that Manta Rays and Whale Sharks use Hin Daeng and Hin Munag as a navigation point as they cruise around the tropics.

This really is the time of the year for the big stuff, with yet more Manta Rays cruising around Hin Daeng, south of Ko Lanta. This Manta was around 6m from wingtip to wingtip and stayed with us for the whole dive. Footage courtesy of Liquid Lense & Scubafish.

Since being founded in 2004, Greenfins have been dedicated to protecting the reef’s of Thailand through raising awareness and teaching Reef Watch methods for ongoing monitoring. In support of the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008 we are pushing for a direct involvement of all communities within Thailand to adopt responsibility and commit to looking after the reefs and reduce our daily impacts on the marine environment.

Greenfins Code of Conduct:

Mission: “To protect and conserve coral reefs by establishing and implementing environmentally friendly guidelines to promote a sustainable diving tourism industry.”

As a Green Fins Member We Are Expected To:

Adapted from The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) “Environmentally Friendly Standards for Dive Operations”

SCUBAFISH

Project AWARE Foundation, the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation, launched the Go ECO campaign into the Asia Pacific region in 2005. The main objective of Go ECO is for dive centres to minimise their impact on the aquatic ecosystem whilst contributing to environmental, economic and cultural conservation. Dive centres are required to meet best practice environmental guidelines and commit to the Project AWARE Go ECO philosophy.

“SCUBAFISH is delighted to be awarded with the Project AWARE Go ECO Operator status for 2007. As a Go ECO Operator we are committed to providing dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment,” said Saffron Kiddy – Dive Centre Manager.

Joanne Marston, Manager, of Project AWARE Asia Pacific added, “We are pleased to recognise SCUBAFISH as a Go ECO Operator. We look forward to working with them to implement environmental best practices and educate tourists about how they can travel responsibly.”

Go ECO Operators also demonstrate a commitment to conservation and pledge to follow the Go ECO Operator guidelines.

For further information about SCUBAFISH visit www.scuba-fish.com or email info@scuba-fish.com

For further information about the Go ECO campaign visit the EcoTourism section of the Project AWARE website www.projectaware.org or email info@projectaware.org.au

About SCUBAFISH

Scubafish is a small, eco-friendly, PADI 5 Star, Gold Palm, IDC Centre located on Kantiang Beach in the South of Ko Lanta. We offer expert guidance and instruction with an emphasis on relaxed and personal service both above & below the water. We are Mares & Cressi approved Retail & Service Centres and our equipment is of the highest standard. Departing directly from the beach we are ideally located to offer shorter journey times to some of the best dive sites in Thailand.

SCUBAFISH is also home to AQUALOGY Marine Education Centre and LIQUID LENSE Underwater Digital Imaging Academy.

About Project AWARE:

SCUBAFISH Goes ECO with the Project AWARE Go ECO Operator Campaign

Project AWARE is the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE Foundation offices located in Australia, United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Switzerland combine efforts to conserve aquatic resources in 175 countries of the world.

www.projectaware.org

info@projectaware.org.au

How Can You Get Involved?

1. Sign a Shark Fin supporting the slogan Every Fin Counts. Join our petition to help make a difference in the fight to improve European fishing policy.
Signatures will be sent to Joe Borg the European Commissioner responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs to support the creation of a European Union Conservation Plan for sharks.
2. Encourage others to act now to save sharks. Involve your customers, friends, family and colleagues to get involved in the effort to conserve sharks. Email Project AWARE for a template email to get everyone on board.
3. To send an E-card or download a paper Fin click here

Project AWARE is a member of the Shark Alliance, a coalition of non-governmental organizations dedicated to restoring and conserving shark populations by improving European fishing policy. By supporting European Shark Week we can demonstrate our support for shark conservation across Europe and the world.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Thanks for your support,

The Scubafish Team & Project Aware.

• ReefCheck – Discover ReefCheck Course
• ReefCheck – EcoDiver Course

Founded in 1996 by marine ecologist Dr. Gregor Hodgson, the Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 80 countries, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profit organisations.

Reef Check goals are to: educate the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.

In 1997, Reef Check conducted the first-ever global survey of coral reef health that provided scientific confirmation that our coral reefs were in crisis due to over-fishing, illegal fishing, and pollution. The results, published in a scientific journal in 1999, shocked many marine biologists who had not realized the extent of human impacts on reefs.

In August 2002, Reef Check released its first five-year report, The Global Coral Reef Crisis – Trends and Solutions, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Based on data collected by thousands of Reef Check volunteer divers in over 80 countries and territories, the report was the first scientific documentation of the dramatic worldwide decline in coral reef health over a five year period.

The report concluded that there was virtually no reef in the world that remained untouched by human impacts, such as over fishing, pollution and climate change. Yet the success stories discussed in the report show that, with proper monitoring, management and protection, coral reefs can recover. It is up to us.

Since then, Reef Check’s fast-growing network has expanded throughout all tropical seas, and has played a major role in efforts to preserve and sustain reef ecosystems.

Reef Check has received international environmental awards for its work, and is the United Nations’ official community-based reef monitoring program.

Sign Reefcheck’s Declaration of Reef Rights today!

The purpose of this pledge is to highlight the high value of coral reefs and to encourage all people and governments to support coral reef conservation. Reefcheck would like to present the Declaration along with a list of one million names to all coral reef country governments in January 2009.

CoralWatch makes monitoring coral reefs easy. The CoralWatch chart uses a series of colors representing different stages of bleaching and recovery.

Just match the color of the coral with a corresponding color on the chart and record the color code along with coral type on the data sheet. Data collected from monitoring activities is then entered online and analyzed by scientists to answer questions on coral bleaching and recovery patterns as well as the severity and duration of bleaching events.

Why Monitor Coral Reefs?
Very little is known about the trends of coral bleaching on a global scale. There are many questions that need to be answered regarding patterns of bleaching and recovery as well as the severity and duration of bleaching events. CoralWatch volunteers will contribute data to help answer many of these questions.

Dive and snorkel volunteers make it possible to measure small natural fluctuations in the coloration of healthy corals to immediately identify changes outside of the normal range. With your support it’s also possible to monitor coral health throughout the year, not just during bleaching events, and help determine factors that influence coral health.

A strong consensus is reached in the scientific community – climate change is happening. And it’s linked to human activity. In the last century earth’s surface temperatures have risen by an estimated 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degrees Celsius). And 2005 was the hottest year on record.

Particularly concerning to Project AWARE Foundation, marine resource managers, scientists, dedicated dive professionals and divers is the effect climate change has on coral reefs – a process called coral bleaching.

New research indicates more than half the world’s coral reefs could die in less than 25 years – with human activities and climate change taking blame. Up to 30 percent of the world’s reefs have already died; another 30 percent are severely damaged according to researchers

What is Coral Bleaching?

Coral Bleaching is a process where corals lose symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), living inside their tissue which supply coral with energy. This loss leaves coral transparent and reveals the white coral skeleton underneath. This potentially fatal process yields the ‘bleached’ appearance. Increases in ocean temperatures are the main reason for coral bleaching episodes.

Although corals can slowly recover from brief bleaching episodes, coral death is common when high temperatures are sustained for long periods. And once bleached, coral is even more susceptible to additional pressures including pollution, overfishing and disease that often lead to coral mortality. Although the effects of bleaching range from moderate to severe, experts agree that bleaching episodes have become much more severe in the past few decades. And they are likely to reoccur in the future with increased frequency.

What is climate change?

Earth is surrounded by a blanket of gases that keep the surface warm and helps make life possible. This blanket is currently getting thicker largely due to greenhouse gas release caused by burning fossil fuels and deforestation. As the blanket gets thicker more heat is retained underneath, which alters the climate. Because the ocean comprises nearly 70 percent of the earth’s surface, it is not only crucial to influencing the global climate, but also harbors some of the most diverse and important ecosystems. In addition, research currently indicates that climate change will increasingly challenge coastal and marine ecosystems in the next century. If current trends continue temperatures may increase 2.5 – 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 – 5.8 degrees Celsius) by 2100.

What is Scubafish doing to contribute to the CoralWatch Project?

• We have signed up with Project AWARE to regularly monitor local coral reefs.
• We use the Project AWARE CoralWatch Kit developed specifically for divers including: CoralWatch charts, monitoring guidelines and information, educational materials for divers and a CD Rom containing helpful resources to establish monitoring activities.
• We have chosen Ko Haa Lagoon and Hin Muang as our chosen your reef sites to regularly monitor these reefs.
• After each CoralWatch dive, we enter CoralWatch Data Online. Our data is then analyzed and made available online to compare the condition of local reefs over time and with different regions of the world.

What can you do?

Some changes are inevitable – even if gas emission stops today, the gases already released will have an effect in the future. This means that it is essential to do everything to avoid further changes. The good news is that because everyday activities also contribute to climate change there are many ways to tackle the issue on an individual level and as a diver. Here are 10 easy things you can do:

• Switch off your lights and electric appliances when not needed
• Choose energy saving appliances
• Use a line to air dry clothing instead of a dryer
• Use lids when cooking (water heats quicker with the lid on)
• Use energy saving light bulbs and recycle
• Walk or cycle when traveling short distances
• Use rechargeable batteries
• Share your concern with your local politicians
• Become educated and inform friends and family on climate change issues
• Contribute to awareness’s and help with data collection by participating in coral monitoring activities

For more information on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, you can go to the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Programme website.