By Jan Freiwald, Executive Director, Reef Check Foundation

In January, my colleague Rodrigo Beas Luna, a marine ecologist working in Baja California, Mexico, and I traveled to Chile to collaborate with OCEANA Chile. It was the start of our joint Chile-California collaboration to launch a Reef Check kelp forest monitoring program for artisanal fisheries in three fishing villages, or Caletas, in the Atacama Desert along the Northern Chilean coastline. Over the past few years, the Chile California Council, OCEANA Chile, and Reef Check have worked together to develop a framework for monitoring Chile’s kelp forests. After multiple meetings in both Chile and California, this trip marked the exciting on-the-ground kickoff of the program.

Our 10-day expedition began in Santiago, where our team gathered before heading north to the Caletas in Northern Chile. OCEANA Chile has worked in Northern Chile for many years alongside local fishing communities to develop suitable practices to conserve the ocean and maintain local livelihoods.

When we arrived in Punta de Choros and Apolillado, we could not have hoped for a more welcoming reception. The fishers and community leaders eagerly shared their knowledge of the local kelp forests and fishing practices. In this region, fishers harvest kelp, primarily of the Lessonia species, an understory kelp that grows up to eight feet tall. They collect kelp either from drift kelp that has washed ashore or by diving to extract the plants from the reef using crowbars. The harvested kelp is then dried and exported to be processed for alginate production. In addition to kelp, the primary fishery here targets Loco (Concholepas concholepas), a carnivorous snail, also referred to locally as Chilean abalone despite not being related to true abalones.

For Rodrigo and me, we quickly realized that diving in the southern hemisphere kelp forests along the South American west coast would be a fascinating experience because it was strangely familiar. While the species differ from those on the North American west coast, they fulfill remarkably similar roles in the kelp forest ecosystem. It felt like watching a familiar play performed by a different cast of characters. As we conducted our first surveys, we identified key species of kelp, invertebrates, and fish that will form the foundation of Reef Check’s future monitoring efforts.

At the next Caleta, fishers joined us underwater to demonstrate firsthand how they harvest kelp. Working in teams, hookah divers dislodge the kelp and hoist it onto their boats until they are filled and ready to offload at a nearby bay. We exchanged ideas, built relationships, and explored ways to collaborate on long-term kelp forest monitoring. There was strong interest in connecting fishers and communities in Chile with those in Baja California, Mexico—where we have established citizen science programs—fostering an international exchange of knowledge and best practices. Everyone agreed that a workshop, bringing together fishing communities from Chile, Baja, and California would be a beneficial next step to expand collaborations and further strengthen partnerships.

By the end of our trip, we had gathered valuable data on the region’s kelp forest species and a deeper understanding of the needs and capacities for community-led monitoring. This information will guide the development of monitoring protocols and training materials that we are now creating.  Our goal with the program is to help empower the local communities to monitor their kelp forests and support sustainable fisheries. We are eager to return to Chile to build on these relationships and contribute to the conservation of its incredible ecosystem, ensuring that both the environment and the communities that depend on it can thrive for generations to come.

We have lined up some amazing talks for you to get your Reef Check fix over these winter months. Three talks are in the books, but there are two more webinars on the schedule.

Recordings
Reef Check Hawai’i with Brad Giles
Washington Kelp Farming with Mike Spranger
Dive into Science with Morgan Murphy-Canella

Upcoming

March 12th 6-7p PST: 2024 Season Summary with Reef Check Staff
Join us to hear all about the successes of the Kelp Forest Monitoring Program 2024 season. We will also be sharing some data analysis from the last few years and highlighting the ways the data you collected has been used by other organizations to help inform the status of kelp up and down the west coast. 

April 3rd 6-7p PST: Reef Check Baja (In Spanish w/ closed captioning in English)
Learn more about the history of kelp forests in Mexico, the partners we are collaborating with to monitor kelp beds in Baja, and how to get involved.

Do you dream of exploring dreamlike underwater worlds? Indonesia, with its spectacular coral reefs and incredible marine biodiversity, awaits you for a life-changing experience. But this marine paradise is delicate and needs people like you to protect it. From September 6-13, 2025, you can join Reef Check Italia for its “Methods in tropical reefs monitoring” course on Bangka Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, where you can become a Reef Check EcoDiver and make a difference!

Immerse Yourself in Science and Action

By participating in this course, you will not only dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Coral Triangle, but you will also learn to monitor the health of the reefs, using standardized scientific protocols. You will be part of an international team of scientists and volunteers, contributing to the conservation of one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.

What Will You Learn?

  • Identification of corals and diseases: You will acquire basic knowledge to recognize hard corals genera and their pathologies.
  • Monitoring methods: You will learn and apply different underwater monitoring methods.
  • Data collection: You will actively contribute to the collection of valuable data for the safeguarding of reefs.
  • Certification: You will obtain the international EcoDiver certification issued by the Reef Check Foundation.

A Unique Experience at Coral Eye

The course takes place at Coral Eye, an exclusive resort on Bangka Island, in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Originally founded as an outpost for marine studies, Coral Eye is now a meeting point for sea enthusiasts, underwater photographers, and marine biologists. The structure is designed to encourage socialization and sharing among people united by a love for the sea. Lectures and seminars alternate with day and night dives, as well as practical sessions.

Why Participate?

  • Diving with a purpose: You will explore the marvelous Indonesian reefs while contributing to their conservation.
  • Scientific training: You will acquire practical skills in reef monitoring and learn to identify key species.
  • International community: You will become part of a global network of marine conservation enthusiasts.
  • Concrete impact: The data collected during the course will be used to inform reef management decisions.
  • Unforgettable adventure: You will live a unique experience in a natural context of rare beauty.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: There are 6 scholarships available for university students and young marine biologists.

Join Us!

Don’t miss the opportunity to become an EcoDiver and protect the marine treasures of Indonesia! Registration is now open!

Contacts:
For more information on the course, scholarships, and registration procedures, visit https://www.reefcheckmed.org/italiano/reef-check-tropical/bangka-2025/ or contact postmaster@reefcheckitalia.it

By Prof. Dr. Mohammed M. A. Kotb, Reef Check Egypt and Jordan Coordinator

The Aqaba Marine Reserve-AMP hosted a Reef Check EcoDiver Training in Aqaba, Jordan in December 2024 with the cooperation of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority-ASEZA and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Jordan. The training of local divers is part of an AMP and UNDP marine environmental program to raise awareness and knowledge about coral reefs and to build up another team of qualified divers for further reef monitoring activities of the Jordanian Red Sea coast.

The training was funded by UNDP, designed and supervised by Prof. Dr. Mohammed M. Kotb (Reef Check Course Director and Reef Check Coordinator of Egypt and Jordan), and operated by Mr. Mohammad Al-Tawaha of UNDP-Jordan.

Twenty trainees from different professional backgrounds took part in the specialized course to become certified as Reef Check EcoDivers. The participants represented instructors and divemasters from local dive centers, the marine reserve team, related NGOs, research institutions, and youth initiatives including Aqaba Marine Reserve, Marine Science Station, Red Sea Diving Center, Shark Bay Dive Center, Aqaba Society for Environmental Sustainability, Blue Team, Project Sea, UNDP Jordan, and the local communities.

Similar trainings were held in 2016 and 2018, the latter marking a huge milestone as it entailed the participation of two female divers. Now Jordan has more certified female divers who are trained and well-equipped with knowledge and skills related to check the health of coral reefs of Aqaba.

Thanks goes out to the high motivation and interest of all participants and the organization and logistics performed by AMP and UNDP-Jordan. In addition, the support provided by the Aqaba Marine Park managed by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) is highly appreciated.

Top Row:
Newly hired Baja California Regional Manager Jessica Pantoja during a survey trip of the Coronado Islands (Photo: Anahi Bermudez)

Reef Check Australia EcoDivers survey The Wall at Mudjimba Island (Photo: Jodi Salmond) 

Middle Row:
Reef Check diver during a survey at McAbee in Monterey, CA (Photo: Sage Ono)

Aspiring marine conservationists in Mozambique participate in a training program with Maputo Dive Center (Photo: Maputo Dive Center) 

Bottom Row:
Participants of Coastal Chumash and Tongva Community Dive into Science Cohort #2 showing off their NAUI Open Water certificates (Photo: RCF)

Big Sur kelp restoration site progress from urchin barren in 2022 to kelp forest in 2024 (Photo: RCF)

As the year draws to a close, I am reflecting on the incredible accomplishments we’ve achieved together over the last 12 months. On behalf of the entire Reef Check team, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our global community of volunteers, donors, and partners. Your steadfast support has been instrumental in making these achievements possible.

This year, Reef Check volunteers all over the world have dedicated countless hours to monitoring coral reefs and kelp forests. From restoring kelp along the Big Sur coast in California, to removing ghost nets in Malaysia, to training youth for careers in ocean conservation in Mozambique and starting a new program in Hawai’i, Reef Check teams around the world have achieved so much in 2024. I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Personally, a highlight was getting to know our partners at the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and being part of teaching their scuba class in the Smith River in Northern California. 

I invite you to take a moment to explore some of our key achievements from 2024, which you can find below. I hope you’ll be inspired and encouraged by the positive impact we’ve made on our precious marine ecosystems.

As we look ahead to the new year, I respectfully ask you to consider supporting Reef Check with a donation, if you’re able. Your generous contributions are essential in helping us meet the increasing demand for our work at a time when government resources for our work have expired due to budget cuts. Every donation, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated and strengthens our mission to protect and preserve our oceans. Next year marks the 20-year anniversary of our kelp forest program, so we have big plans and hope you will be with us to celebrate this significant milestone.

As we enter this holiday season, I send my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this time bring you joy, peace, and renewed hope. Here’s to a new year filled with even greater achievements and continued collaboration for the future of marine conservation.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jan Freiwald
Executive Director
Reef Check Foundation

2024 Successes

Organizational

Kelp Forest Program

  • A record number of surveys completed along the West Coast – a total of 193
  • Expanded surveys further into Baja California, British Columbia, and along the open coast of Washington
  • Hired new regional manager in Baja California

Coral Reef Program

Education Program

  • Five Dive into Science programs in California from Del Norte to Los Angeles County
  • 10 Dive into Science scuba courses with participants from Tribal communities and foster youth
  • Two Dive into Science graduates from Kashia Band of Pomo now work as scientific divers for their tribe

Restoration Program

Submitted by Reef Check Malaysia

COMMUNITY MARINE CONSERVATION GROUPS (CMCGs) IN MALAYSIA

Recently, a 7th Community Marine Conservation Group (CMCG) joined the six previously established groups. This new group in Mersing consists of youths. Most youth in Mersing tend to leave their town to look for opportunities elsewhere, but this amazing group has stayed and is now making an impact in their own area!

1. Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG)

2. Redang Marine Conservation Group (RMCG)

3. Larapan Marine Conservation Group (LMCG)

4. Selakan Marine Conservation Group (SMCG)

5. Kulapuan Marine Conservation Group (KMCG)

6. Pemimpin IKLIM Mabul 

7. Mersing Marine Conservation Group (MMCG)

The members of these CMCG groups are trained with various skills to handle day-to-day marine conservation tasks, including buoy installations, reef rehabilitation and monitoring, ghost net and predator removals, coral bleaching and reef biodiversity monitoring as well as Reef Check surveys. The members of these teams are passionate about conserving the marine environment, and it is visible in their determination and dedication as they tackle their tasks.

Here are some of their achievements:

  • Nine members of our Selakan Marine Conservation Group were recently elected as Honorary Park Rangers by Sabah Parks, the state legislative body that manages state parks in Sabah, Malaysia
  • The Redang Marine Conservation Group, together with RCM, piloted a Reef Rehabilitation Toolkit, now available on our website  
  • The success of the Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG), the first group to be established, has become the blueprint for the other CMCGs. 

Read more about RCM’s community-based conservation efforts here, as penned by RCM’s CEO, Julian Hyde.

Removing ghost nets from a reef area
Cleaning and monitoring at a reef rehabilitation site

COMMUNITY-BASED WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Our Community-Based Waste Management Program on Larapan Island, Sabah, which ran from March 2022 to September 2024, has now wrapped up. We have officially passed the baton onto WWF-Malaysia (Semporna, Sabah) as part of their No Plastic in Nature (NPIN) initiative.

A total of 105 households, representing nearly 1,000 residents, participated in the program. Together, we prevented 22,896.4kg of waste from being directly disposed into the marine ecosystem. Compliance levels, based on our monitoring system, reached a satisfactory 54%.

The program would not have run smoothly without the support from the local district council, village leaders, our partners, the waste management team on the island, as well as the local community members for their active involvement. 

Fauzi, from RCM, presenting a report to the villagers who participated in the program
Adzmin, from RCM, presenting a certificate of participation to a household representative
Julian (center) is joined by leaders from NRES, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (blue shirt), and other esteemed representatives

COP 16 IN COLOMBIA

Our CEO, Julian Hyde, recently attended the COP 16 in Colombia. Julian joined Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Nik Azmi Nik Ahmad to address key funding priorities for Malaysia’s biodiversity conservation initiatives. Julian had the opportunity to meet with esteemed representatives from Pew Charitable Trusts, Pacific Environment, and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) during this trip. Read Julian’s takeaways from COP16 here.

2024 STAR GOLDEN HEARTS AWARDS

RCM’s team at the award ceremony, including our CEO, CPO, colleagues, trustee member and ambassadors

Recently, Reef Check Malaysia was honored to be one of 10 organizations and individuals out of over 500 nominees to receive a 2024 Star Golden Hearts Award, given to those who have sparked changes and created impact nationwide through their noble efforts. RCM’s team attended the award ceremony, and our Chief Program Officer (CPO) Alvin Chelliah, gave a speech on behalf of RCM. The award ceremony, themed “Power of One, the Strength of Many”, was a significant one as SGHA 2024 celebrated its 10th year anniversary since its inception in 2015.