The Transect Line - May/June 2026

Reef Check mourns the tragic loss of life following the Maldives cave diving accident, where five divers died, as well as the Maldivian diver who died during the recovery effort. Three of the victims were Reef Check EcoDivers, and their passing is deeply felt throughout the broader diving and marine conservation world. Our hearts are with their families, friends, colleagues, and all those affected by this tragedy.

30 Years of Reef Check
From Global Survey to Global Conservation Organization

Reef Check was created in response to a critical gap in understanding the health of the world’s coral reefs. The program pioneered a new approach by training volunteer recreational divers to collect standardized reef health data under scientific guidance. Reef Check launched globally in 1997, revealing widespread human impacts on coral reefs. What began as a one-time global assessment evolved into an ongoing monitoring program and, ultimately, a leading international marine conservation, research, and education organization. Significantly, 2026 marks the 30th year of data collection for Reef Check’s coral reef monitoring program, representing one of the longest-running community-based coral reef monitoring efforts in the world and providing an invaluable record of change in reef ecosystems over three decades.

Thank you to all who have supported and volunteered for Reef Check over the years!

Dive into Science Participants Advance Their Scientific Diving Journey

For Reef Check’s Dive into Science programs, 2026 has already been a year of remarkable progress. Across California, participants are advancing through dive training, scientific monitoring, and leadership development while strengthening community and Tribal stewardship of marine resources. Northern California cohorts completed Rescue Diver training, while new Tribal participants are just beginning their dive education journey. In Southern California, Indigenous and youth cohorts completed key training milestones and are preparing for scientific diving and monitoring courses. Collectively, participants have logged more than 300 dives this year, building skills that support marine conservation and community-led stewardship.

Reef Resilience: Conservation, Restoration, and Community Action with Reef Check Malaysia

Across Malaysia, Reef Check’s conservation teams and community partners continue to make meaningful progress in protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems. From removing tons of harmful marine debris and repurposing waste materials for reef rehabilitation, to strengthening local conservation capacity through diver training and confronting the ongoing threat of destructive fishing practices, these efforts demonstrate the power of community-driven action. Together with government agencies, local conservation groups, volunteers, and island communities, Reef Check Malaysia is building healthier, more resilient reefs while empowering people to play an active role in safeguarding the marine environment for future generations.

Kelp Restoration Gets Underway in Oregon with Encouraging Signs of Recovery

Reef Resilience: Conservation, Restoration, and Community Action with Reef Check Malaysia

Biosphere Expeditions is heading back to the Maldives October 17–23, 2026 for its 13th annual coral reef and whale shark marine volunteer expedition; secure your spot to be part of the action! In partnership with Reef Check, this unique trip blends hands-on science, local collaboration, and tropical adventure. Based on a luxurious and modern liveaboard, you will survey the reefs that make up the Maldivian coral islands, as well as photograph whale sharks. Since its inception in 2011, the expedition has thus far trained over 100 people in Reef Check surveying, including over 30 local Maldivians on how to monitor their reefs and set up community-based monitoring.

Video Spotlight: Only Stand on the Sand

Mahalo to the third-grade students of Mrs. Maluyo at Waialua Elementary School! As residents of the North Shore on O’ahu, Hawai’i, they noticed increased traffic on their local beaches and the disturbing trend that visitors—not aware that the coral reef is a living thing—were damaging the reef by stepping on it. In the spirit of aloha, they believed that if visitors knew better, they would do better, so they put together this PSA reminding people to “Only Stand on the Sand.”

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New Reef Check Merch is Here!

We’re celebrating our anniversary in style with a new merchandise shop featuring vintage Reef Check logos and revived designs, a special 30th anniversary collection, regional gear for WA, OR, CA, Baja, and Hawaiʻi, plus Dive into Science and classic Reef Check favorites.

Every purchase helps support our mission—and starts a conservation conversation wherever you wear it.

For a limited time! 25% off any order!