Press

August 6, 2026
6:00PM – 8:00 PM
Faction Brewing 2501 Monarch St. Alameda, CA 94501

Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet support roughly a quarter of all marine species. By the early 1990s, scientists suspected these ecosystems were in serious trouble — but had no way to prove it at a global scale. The data simply didn’t exist. Reef Check was born from that gap. In 1993, Professor Robert Ginsburg of the University of Miami convened an international workshop on the Global Health of Coral Reefs, bringing together approximately 250 leading coral reef researchers. The participants sought to answer a fundamental question: What is the health of the world’s coral reefs? They quickly realized that existing scientific studies were too limited in geographic scope and duration to provide a meaningful global assessment. Traditional scientific approaches were not adequately tracking widespread changes in reef ecosystems, making it clear that a new strategy was needed.

Two major initiatives emerged from the workshop. The first was the declaration of the International Year of the Reef (IYOR) to raise awareness of coral reef conservation. The second was the creation of a global reef monitoring program capable of collecting data across vast geographic areas. To design the protocol, organizers turned to coral reef ecologist Dr. Gregor Hodgson — someone who understood both the science and the practical realities of working in the field. His challenge was significant: create a methodology rigorous enough to satisfy scientists, yet simple enough that a recreational diver with no research background could execute it reliably on reefs anywhere in the world. 

The resulting program, named Reef Check, was designed as a rapid, global assessment of coral reef health using trained volunteer recreational divers working alongside marine scientists. Because external funding was unavailable, the program relied heavily on volunteer labor. Scientists would train experienced divers in reef ecology, species identification, and monitoring techniques, enabling them to collect standardized data using a common survey methodology. The protocol focused on easily identified indicator species and signs of human impact, making it accessible to non-scientists while maintaining scientific rigor.

In 1996, draft protocols were circulated through NOAA’s coral reef listserv and opened to peer review. While many scientists contributed valuable suggestions, some doubted that a monitoring program based on volunteer divers could succeed. After revisions, detailed instructions were published online, and a network of national, regional, and local coordinators was established to organize surveys around the world.

The first Reef Check surveys were conducted during the International Year of the Reef in 1997. An environmental group called Save Our Seas, led by Carl Stepath, organized one of the earliest Reef Check events in Kaua’i, Hawai’i, involving more than 200 participants from universities, government agencies, environmental organizations, and the private sector. A 2.5-month survey window was established so that teams worldwide could collect data within a comparable timeframe.

The results exceeded expectations. By the end of the initial survey period, more than 300 reefs in 31 countries and territories had been assessed, making it one of the largest ecological surveys ever conducted. The findings, presented at a press conference in Hong Kong later that year, demonstrated that human impacts were affecting coral reefs worldwide, including many remote and previously considered pristine locations. By the end of 1998, Reef Check had expanded to more than 400 surveyed reefs across 40 countries and territories, involving hundreds of recreational divers, scientists, and community members.

The program’s success led to a formal partnership with the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), which adopted Reef Check methods for community-based monitoring. What began as a one-time global assessment quickly evolved into an annual monitoring effort and, ultimately, into a broader marine conservation organization. Today, Reef Check is recognized not only as a monitoring protocol but also as a global leader in marine education, research, conservation, and community engagement.

Three decades of continuous data is rare in ecology, and what Reef Check’s records reveal is sobering: widespread coral loss, declining fish populations, and the accelerating fingerprints of climate change across reefs that were once considered pristine. But the data also capture moments of recovery — reefs that have rebounded where communities took action. In 2026, that 30-year archive is more valuable than ever, offering scientists a baseline against which to measure both the damage and the hope. 

Today, Reef Check operates across dozens of countries, training new cohorts of citizen scientists every year. The reefs they monitor face pressures that would have been hard to imagine in 1997 — intensifying bleaching events, ocean acidification, and mounting coastal development. But as the pressures increase so does the network watching over them. Thirty years in, the question that started it all remains urgent. Reef Check’s answer remains the same: get in the water, look closely, and share what you find.  

As part of the celebration, we are launching our Reef Check 30th anniversary logo. At its center, a diver represents our volunteers around the world, underwater, paying attention. Radiating outward from that center are concentric rings — like ripples on water — a reminder that a single dive, a single volunteer, a single organization choosing to show up can send waves far beyond what the eye can see.

Celebrate with us by showing your support with brand-new merch featuring the anniversary logo!

By Angelina Komatovich, Dive into Science Program Coordinator and Morgan Murphy-Cannella, Director of Education Program

The first half of 2026 has been filled with exciting milestones for Reef Check’s Dive into Science programs. Across California, participants are building the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to become future leaders in marine science, conservation and community stewardship.

In Northern California, the Kelp Guardian Program with the Tolowa Dee-ni’  continues to make impressive progress. Participants recently spent several days at Smith River completing the hands-on components of their Rescue Diver course, practicing emergency response techniques and diver recovery skills. This summer, the cohort will begin Reef Check’s Kelp Forest Monitoring course before moving into AAUS Scientific Diver training later this year. These certifications will help participants contribute to Tribal stewardship initiatives, marine monitoring efforts and community-led resource management.

Our Northern California Tribal program is also growing, with both returning and new participants advancing through the Dive into Science pathway. Members of the existing cohort are completing Rescue Diver training at Van Damme State Park, while a new group of participants from the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo and Yurok Tribe are earning their Open Water certifications. These divers will continue into Advanced and Rescue Diver training this summer, helping build a network of Tribal divers prepared to support marine monitoring and stewardship efforts within their communities.

In Southern California, participants from the Coastal Chumash and Tongva communities have been strengthening their skills through proficiency dives in the Channel Islands and recently completed Reef Check’s Kelp Forest Monitoring course on Pimu (Catalina Island). This summer, the cohort will begin AAUS Scientific Diver training, preparing participants for leadership roles in marine science, conservation and Indigenous-led stewardship of culturally important coastal ecosystems.

Another major accomplishment this year was the certification of our newest group of NAUI Rescue Divers in the Southern California youth program. In May, participants traveled to the Catalina Island Marine Institute to complete their training. These divers have already achieved an incredible amount in a short time and are now preparing to begin Reef Check Kelp Forest Monitoring training in July. Most have completed at least 30 open water dives to qualify for the course, marking an important step in their journey toward becoming citizen scientists and marine stewards.

The impact of these programs continues to grow. We are only halfway through the year, and Dive into Science participants have already completed more than 300 dives. Across all programs, participants are gaining scientific diving skills, ecological knowledge and hands-on experience that will strengthen community stewardship and support greater Tribal participation in marine science and conservation for years to come.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication and accomplishments of every participant and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the months ahead.

Special thanks to our funders at the Coastal Commission WHALE TAIL® Grants Program, California Natural Resource Agency’s Youth Community Access program, OPC,  SeaGrant, and the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.

By Faith Townsend, Oregon Volunteer Coordinator

In May, Reef Check Oregon welcomed a new cohort of volunteers to our annual Kelp Forest Restoration program. Over two weekends, participants gathered to learn about Oregon’s kelp forest ecosystems, the challenges they face, and how to participate in community-led restoration. Through online classroom sessions and in-water training, new volunteers gained the knowledge and skills needed to support kelp forest restoration throughout the season. A key component of the training focused on culling purple and red sea urchins, which reduces grazing pressure in urchin barrens and allows kelp to reestablish. Volunteers learned the science behind this method, trained to perform this work safely and effectively underwater, and practiced field methods at an active restoration site.

While enthusiasm was high, ocean conditions were less than ideal for early summer. Large swells and strong winds throughout both training weekends created significant surge and poor visibility. But Oregon divers are no strangers to working in “less than tropical” conditions, and volunteers persevered, demonstrating their determination to the cause.

This year’s training was especially rewarding because several of our restoration sites are showing encouraging signs of recovery. Both Macklyn Cove and Nellies Cove in southern Oregon have naturally recruited kelp for the first time in nearly a decade. For many Reef Check volunteers, and even some staff members, it was the first time they had ever seen kelp at these sites. Seeing such a diverse array of kelp return to these reefs served as a powerful reminder of why our efforts matter and left volunteers and staff excited for the season ahead.

We are so grateful to our volunteers for their continued dedication to monitoring, restoration, and the protection of Oregon’s nearshore ecosystems. Together, we are building a community of ocean stewards to protect our kelp for years to come.

Restoration in Oregon is made possible by our partners at the Oregon Kelp Alliance under NOAA Restoration Center Cooperative Agreement NA25NMFX469C0012.

Submitted by Reef Check Malaysia

Across Malaysia, Reef Check’s conservation teams and community partners continue to make meaningful progress in protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems. From removing tons of harmful marine debris and repurposing waste materials for reef rehabilitation, to strengthening local conservation capacity through diver training and confronting the ongoing threat of destructive fishing practices, these efforts demonstrate the power of community-driven action. Together with government agencies, local conservation groups, volunteers, and island communities, Reef Check Malaysia is building healthier, more resilient reefs while empowering people to play an active role in safeguarding the marine environment for future generations. 

MARINE DEBRIS CLEAN-UP

Marine debris poses a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems, impacting marine life and damaging important reef habitats. From April to June 2026, 19 underwater clean-up activities were successfully conducted across eight islands in Mersing, Johor. These efforts resulted in the removal of 554 kg of ghost nets and marine debris from coral reef areas through close collaboration with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, members of the Mersing Marine Conservation Group, and the Tioman Marine Conservation Group.

Meanwhile, 2,000 kg of ghost nets were retrieved from the waters of Pulau Soyak, near Tioman Island. This was done through a collaborative effort with dedicated divers from a few dive centres as well as assistance from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, who ensured the safe disposal of the recovered nets.

The continued commitment and cooperation of our partners and local conservation groups play an important role in protecting coral reef ecosystems. By removing harmful debris from reef habitats, these efforts contribute to the long-term health and resilience of the marine environment for future generations.

FROM BOTTLES TO REEFS

In Pulau Aur, Johor, we are helping local communities see waste in a new way. Through a recent Community Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) programme, 28 community members participated in hands-on training to learn how discarded glass bottles can be transformed into a valuable resource for marine conservation.

Participants were introduced to a glass crusher machine and learned how used glass bottles can be cleaned, crushed, and repurposed as an alternative material for coral rehabilitation structures. Beyond demonstrating a practical recycling solution, the programme helped raise awareness about responsible waste management and encouraged greater community involvement in protecting the island’s marine environment.

The learning did not stop in the classroom. Together with volunteers from the Mersing Marine Conservation Group (MMCG), community members also took part in preparing recycled glass bottles for use in reef rehabilitation efforts. These materials will be incorporated into structures designed to support coral growth and habitat recovery in damaged reef areas around Mersing.

By turning waste into a resource, this initiative is addressing two challenges at once: reducing glass waste on the island while supporting the restoration of coral reef ecosystems. More importantly, it is empowering local communities with the knowledge and skills to take an active role in conservation, creating lasting benefits for both people and nature.

IMPACTS OF FISH BOMBING

In mid-May, we discovered something heartbreaking at our Selakan rehabilitation site in Selakan Island, Sabah. Two fish bomb craters destroyed at least 10 reef stars and the corals that have been growing on them for the past two years. Based on the craters and coral fragments found around the site, it is believed that the incident happened a few days prior to discovery, either early in the morning or during sunset.

The Selakan Marine Conservation Group’s (SMCG) Manager, Ulas Musedi, expressed his sadness at seeing the corals that they had planted and cared for over the past two years destroyed in the blink of an eye. Even though the SMCG has been regularly patrolling the area, these fish bombers still managed to find a way.

Reef Check Malaysia has urged everyone to report fish bombing activities to the relevant authorities if anyone witnesses them. We’ve also encouraged the public to stop supporting this activity by avoiding the purchase of fish known to be obtained through fish bombing.

Watching our reefs recover takes years, but destruction can happen in an instant. Our reefs need all of us to protect them.

SKILLS TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY MARINE CONSERVATION GROUPS

Strong community involvement remains essential for the long-term success of marine conservation efforts in the Mersing Islands. By investing in local skills and knowledge, we are helping to build a network of community members who can actively contribute to the protection and management of their marine environment.

Two series of Open Water Diver (OWD) Courses were successfully conducted throughout April, involving 10 members of the Mersing Marine Conservation Group (MMCG). The courses were held in two islands as part of efforts to strengthen local community capacity in marine conservation activities and resource management in the Mersing islands.

Through the course, participants were introduced to basic scuba diving skills including diving theory, equipment handling, safety procedures and practical in-water training sessions. The programme provided MMCG members with the opportunity to build their confidence and enhance their capabilities in supporting future marine conservation initiatives with us in the islands.

NEW REPORTS ON REEF CHECK MALAYSIA’S WEBSITE

We’ve also released several new reports:

Reef Check Malaysia’s 2025 Annual Report

Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia 2025

Community Based Marine Conservation – CMCG Annual Summary 2025

2025 International Coastal Clean-up Report (Malaysia)

We’re celebrating our anniversary in style with a new merchandise shop featuring vintage Reef Check logos and revived designs, a special 30th anniversary collection, regional gear for WA, OR, CA, Baja, and Hawaiʻi, plus Dive into Science and classic Reef Check favorites.

Every purchase helps support our mission—and starts a conservation conversation wherever you wear it.

And for a limited time! 25% off any order!