Bainbridge, WA 2025

Reef Check / Kelp Forest Program / Training Schedule / Bainbridge, WA 2025

Sign Up for the Newsletter

Keep in touch with Reef Check and get the latest news about our initiatives to help preserve and monitor our oceans and reefs. We’ll update you on recent dives, current events, and new information about Reef Check programs. Join the wave and get involved.

Recaptcha Failed

Form Sent Successfully!

@reefcheckfoundation

We’re on the ’gram! Follow us today for an even deeper dive with a social connection.

reefcheckfoundation

View Instagram post by reefcheckfoundation

May 29

Open post by reefcheckfoundation with ID 18120126820673084

Diving is life, but when you use that skill to support ocean science? That is next level.⁠
⁠
We train community scientists to gather data about reefs worldwide. See the diving requirements on our website and start working toward becoming a Reef Check diver this year. ⁠
⁠
DM us if you have questions!⁠
⁠
#scubaaddict #reefrestoration #kelpforest #marinescience #scubadiving

...

45 0

reefcheckfoundation

View Instagram post by reefcheckfoundation

May 27

Open post by reefcheckfoundation with ID 17907072291244229

Bleached doesn’t always mean dead!⁠
⁠
Corals can recover if conditions improve quickly enough.⁠
⁠
Corals live in partnership with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide most of the energy corals need to survive through photosynthesis. When ocean temperatures remain just 1-2°C above seasonal averages for extended periods, corals become stressed and expel these algae. Without them, the coral’s white calcium carbonate skeleton becomes visible, creating the “bleached” appearance we see underwater.⁠
⁠
We have scientific data from recent global bleaching events thanks to people participating in citizen science. These data help scientists and resource managers track changes in coral cover, reef health, species abundance, and bleaching severity over time, providing critical data that informs conservation and management decisions.⁠
⁠
Around the world, divers, scientists, and communities are restoring corals, protecting marine ecosystems, and discovering more heat-resistant coral species. Healthy reefs still exist, and protected reefs recover faster.⁠
⁠
As divers and ocean lovers, we can help:⁠
✔️ Support reef-friendly dive operators⁠
✔️ Practice excellent buoyancy control⁠
✔️ Participate in citizen science programs⁠
✔️ Share knowledge and advocate for ocean protection⁠
✔️ Donate to organizations doing the important conservation work⁠
⁠
If you want to support our mission of training more citizen science divers, donate to Reef Check today on our website.⁠
⁠
📸: @kogia_org⁠
⁠
#coralreef #coralbleaching #oceanconservation #scubadiving #oceanlover reefrestoration ...

57 0

reefcheckfoundation

View Instagram post by reefcheckfoundation

May 25

Open post by reefcheckfoundation with ID 17934627486075006

Washington people! Do you love kelp? Our friends at Puget Sound @restorationfund have launched Kelp Spot, a new community-powered iNaturalist project focused on monitoring bull kelp throughout Washington waters and the Salish Sea.⁠
⁠
By using the iNaturalist app, anyone can help document where bull kelp is growing by uploading observations and photos.⁠
⁠
These community sightings will help scientists and restoration teams:⁠
🌊 Track seasonal kelp growth⁠
📍 Monitor the appearance and decline of kelp beds⁠
🗺️ Build a collaborative map of bull kelp across the region⁠
🔍 Identify areas that may need additional monitoring or restoration support⁠
⁠
Continued monitoring and community data collection help provide a clearer picture of how kelp forests are changing over time, especially as they face growing environmental pressures.⁠
⁠
The more observations collected, the stronger the data becomes. Citizen science plays a huge role in conservation, and even a single photo can contribute valuable information to long-term restoration efforts.⁠
⁠
How to get involved:⁠
1️⃣ Create an iNaturalist account⁠
2️⃣ Join the Kelp Spot project⁠
3️⃣ Upload your bull kelp observations whenever you’re out exploring!⁠
⁠
Make sure to tag us in your kelp adventures and help spread the word!⁠
⁠
📸: @sageonophotography⁠
⁠
#kelpforest #CitizenScience #PugetSound #oceanconservation #oceanlover ...