The Transect Line – January 2009 |
New EcoExpeditions Offered For 2009- Sign Up Today! |
![]() Trips to six exotic coral reef destinations are scheduled for 2009: Puerto Galera, Philippines NEW |
Voting Opens Soon For IYOR Singing Contest |
![]() Hosted by Body Glove and Reef Lab, cash prizes of $1000, $600 and $300 will be awarded to the top three videos. Check out the great videos already submitted by groups in Egypt, Comoros, India, Trinidad & Tobago, and Taiwan to see the diverse ways people around the world express their culture and passion for reef conservation through music! |
Reef Check California Update |
![]() A new and exciting 2009 lies before Reef Check California and we are looking forward to continuing to solidify RCCA as a major force of change in marine management. Although we, like everyone, are facing new challenges due to the economic crisis, we continue to benefit from the support and dedication of our members which becomes even more critical at times like these. With a new administration comes a new focus on science and a rehabilitation of its use in resource policy making. A notable appointment in the marine policy world was that of Dr. Jane Lubchecho, a marine scientist from Oregon State University, to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This is a real sea change (pun intended) on how the United States will manage not only marine resources but climate change as well. We have put the final touches on the 2009 Training Schedule and we encourage folks to spread the word and get your friends and neighbors involved! There is no better way to take direct action to improve marine management in California than to become a trained RCCA diver. We are also starting a pilot program this year that will allow non-divers to participate in the classroom portion of the class to learn more about marine management in California, including species identification. If you are an experienced certified diver please visit our training page and sign-up, the spots are going fast!! If you are a non-diver and are interested in taking the RCCA Training Course please contact california@reefcheckstg.wpengine.com for more information and pricing. We continue to be on the front lines of improving marine management in California and we need your continued support! So if you aren’t a member join us and if you are a diver, sign up for a training in 2009! |
International Year of the Reef 2008 Review |
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![]() In honor of the International Year of the Reef 2008, Reef Check launched the International Declaration of Reef Rights in March 2007. This worldwide campaign highlighted the significance of coral reefs and encouraged all people and governments to support coral reef conservation. The campaign was a great success! Citizens from 157 countries signed the Declaration, as well as many leaders in government, science, and art. Dignitaries and celebrities who supported the reefs included: American Samoa Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono; Malaysia Secretary-General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Suboh Mohd Yassin; President of the Republic of Palau Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr.; President of the Federated States of Micronesia Emanual Mori; President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Kessai Note; and Seychelles President James Michel. Renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, actress Daryl Hannah, and artist Wyland also signed the Declaration, the first two doing so in an underwater ceremony off the coast of Southern California. Reef Check plans to present the list of almost 25,000 names to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as well as leaders of coral reef countries. This list will demonstrate the global commitment of citizens across the world to the cause of reef conservation. Also, be sure to check out all the inspiring comments we received from across the globe. |
Reef Check Teams in Action |
EcoAction Update: Caribbean Initiatives by Reef Check Executive Director Dr. Gregor Hodgson ![]() In order to address this need, Reef Check is now offering standardized training packages available for groups of ten or more people for a fraction of the cost of a team of highly trained scientists. At the end of the Reef Check training workshops, there will be one or more teams of certified Reef Check divers, a monitoring plan and a commitment from the teams to monitor selected coral reefs at least once per year. Many Caribbean island nations are following the lead of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic and using Reef Check as one of the major tools to ensure that they are able to track their coral reef resources every year in sufficient detail to be useful to government managers. Saba Trinidad and Tobago Puerto Rico If you would like to sign up for a training in any of the above locations or would like to set up a training anywher ![]() |
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Reef Check South Africa Launches New Programs For 2009 by SAUES Coordinator Charmaine Green
For more information, contact Reef Check South Africa at saues@mweb.co.za. |