The Transect Line – March/April 2020
An Ocean of Need during Uncertain Times

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the future has never felt so unpredictable. These are challenging times for us all, and we hope you’re in good spirits and health! While protecting our community, we must also consider the economic implications of the virus and the potentially damaging financial impact on Reef Check. Now, more than ever, our marine environment needs us, and we need you. In order for us to be able to sustain our operations, we need to raise $40,000. If you are able, we are asking that you please make a donation to help sustain us during this critical time. Any amount would be appreciated and would help ensure that we emerge from this difficult period with the ability to jump straight back into the ocean of need that will be waiting for us out there.

Reef Check Welcomes Two New Staff Members

In March, Reef Check welcomed two additions to the California program staff. Dillon Dolinar, based in San Diego, is the Southern California Volunteer Coordinator and Maxwell Seale, based in Monterey Bay, is the Central Coast Volunteer Coordinator. Both are looking forward to getting in the water with our incredible team of citizen scientists!
Video Spotlight:
Reef Check’s Sensors Bring All the Fish to the Yard

In early March, Reef Check California divers visited Catalina Island to deploy a sensor to monitor changes in ocean chemistry and made some new friends in a giant sea bass and other curious fish!
Take the “Highway to the Algae Zone” with Reef Check’s TED Talk

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, California Natural Resources Agency hosted a number of California resources-related talks that you can tune in to at home! Reef Check’s Tristin McHugh was invited to speak about the exciting Kelp Restoration Program that we are launching in Northern California.
Reef Check Participates in a Deep Discussion on California’s North Coast Purple Urchins

In February, Blue Endeavors hosted Reef Check’s Dan Abbott and Joshua Russo, President of the Watermen’s Alliance, for a deep discussion on California’s North Coast Purple Urchin Situation. The talk, held in-person in Alameda, was recorded and featured the latest news on North Coast urchin removal efforts.
Mantanani Reef Day Organized in Malaysia to Highlight Island’s Coral Reefs

Reef Check Malaysia shares that colleagues on Mantanani recently organized the 2020 Mantanani Reef Day, the third annual celebration to highlight and promote coral reef conservation on the island. The two-day event included education and awareness for school children and islanders, and a reef rehabilitation program with members of the Mantanani Nature Youth Club and resort operators, which saw the deployment of new coral frames for coral reef restoration.
Reef Check in the News

Meet Three Scientists On The Frontline Of Australia’s Climate Crisis – Marie Claire

Bull Kelp restoration plans continue — with fingers crossed – The Mendocino Beacon (California, USA)

Monitoring Climate Change in the Kelp Forest with the Help of Citizen Scientists – KSQD Community Radio (California, USA)

Brevard Zoo Updates Quarters for Conservation Initiative Winner ‘Reef Check Malaysia’ – SpaceCoastDaily.com (Florida, USA)

Scientists say decades are needed to rebuild California’s abalone collapsed fishery – Santa Rosa Press Democrat (California, USA)

Malin Beg to Maldives in five months – SubSea (Ireland)

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Reef Check, 13723 Fiji Way, Ste B2, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 USA
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