The Transect Line - March/April 2024

Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event Confirmed

Earlier this month, NOAA and ICRI (of which Reef Check is a member) confirmed that the world is currently experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event and its second in the last 10 years. Previous events occurred in 1998, 2010, and 2015, and Reef Check teams around the world have been able to document each event as they unfolded. This current event has been no exception. Reef Check chapters share their observations; click to read more.

Empowering Mozambique’s Marine Conservationists: A Dive into the Reef Check Program

In the heart of Mozambique, a transformative journey unfolds as aspiring marine conservationists dive into the depths of the ocean, not just to explore its wonders but to emerge as guardians of its future. Maputo Dive Center, Mozambique’s pioneering dive center, has become a beacon of hope and empowerment, guiding individuals from diverse backgrounds on a path to scientific diving and marine conservation. Last month, they celebrated a significant milestone, with the graduation of nine university students.

Not Just Coral:
Reef Check Malaysia
Broadens Scope

On Earth Day, Reef Check Malaysia was thrilled to announce that after 16 years of coral reef conservation, they’re making waves with a major pivot, broadening their scope to protect all marine ecosystems. Reef Check Malaysia is now a ‘marine ecosystems conservation’ organization as they shift focus to include seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, deepening our collective understanding of environmental interconnectedness. Click below to read more about their new mission and vision, and what else the team has been up to recently.

Video Spotlight: Caspar Cove Webinar

Caspar Cove is one of two sites in California that permits in-situ culling of purple urchin by recreational divers in California, and this policy has been extended at Caspar Cove for the next five years. This webinar showcases project partners, discusses results to date and current projects, and provides information on how to get involved in 2024.

Join Red Sea Diving Safari in July for EcoDiver Course & Surveys

Red Sea Diving Safari’s next Reef Check EcoDiver course will take place in Marsa Nakari, Egypt July 18-21, 2024, with five subsequent surveys from July 22-25. Spaces are available for both certified Reef Check EcoDivers, and divers who would like to be trained and certified as EcoDivers. This year’s trip will mark the 16th year of reef monitoring with Red Sea Diving Safari. Click below to read all about last year’s eventful trip.

Introducing “The Mysterious World of Bull Kelp”

Reef Check is delighted to share an incredible new site that celebrates the wonder of bull kelp and the biodiversity it supports: The Mysterious World of Bull Kelp, presented by Above/Below. This webstory is more than a website, it’s like a digital book that explores the “forests below” through artistic illustrations, compelling photography, lyrical essays, historical and contemporary kelp maps, and scientific diagrams to take you on a deep dive into the world of bull kelp forests. This project is the brainchild of co-directors Josie Iselin and Marianna Leuschel and is the centerpiece of a larger ocean literacy campaign that aims to raise awareness about kelp forests. Stay tuned for more from Above/Below, and in the meantime you can check out some of Josie Iselin’s art in our Reef Check online store.

Reef Check Washington Swag Now Available

We are excited to announce the launch of our Reef Check Washington swag designed by the talented artist/ designer/ author and Reef Check volunteer J.S. Weis! Items are now available through our Crewtopia Shop. Check it out and wear your support for kelp forest monitoring for all to see, and be sure to also check out all the other Reef Check swag offered by Crewtopia at:
https://crewtopiasupply.com/collections/reef-check.