The Transect Line - September/October 2022

Online Auction Starts Next Week!
https://www.32auctions.com/bidfortheoceans2022

Bid with purpose! Reef Check’s “Bid for the Oceans” online auction fundraiser begins November 2 and will end November 11. Proceeds will provide critical funds for Reef Check’s conservation and monitoring programs of tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests, as well as critical restoration efforts across California. Every purchase helps further our mission to save reefs worldwide.

Volunteer Divers Successfully Restore Kelp in Monterey Bay

New data collected by Reef Check show that urchin removal efforts at Tankers Reef off the coast of Monterey has resulted in the significant growth of giant kelp. Purple urchin densities dropped from over 800 urchins per 100 square meters in April 2021 to less than 100 urchins per 100 square meters by June 2022, while the density of giant kelp increased roughly five fold from April 2021 to September 2022. For the past two years volunteer recreational scuba divers organized by the Giant Giant Kelp Restoration Project have been culling sea urchins at the site in an effort to restore the area’s once lush kelp forests.

Waterlust + Reef Check

Reef Check is stoked to be partnering with Waterlust! It’s a partnership that just makes sense. Waterlust makes beautiful, versatile and environmentally responsible clothing inspired by marine species and ecosystems in need of advocacy. And now when you shop using our referral link- waterlust.com/ReefCheck– we will receive a 20% commission of your total sale (excluding taxes and shipping) when you make a purchase within 14 days. Plus, Waterlust will also donate 10% of its profits to another nonprofit working on the cause your purchase represents. It’s a win-win!

Video Spotlight: Fintastic Survey

Quick! Get the pizza! Reef Check divers get swarmed by a giant school of anchovies on transect during a Big Sur survey! They must have been herring about our exciting new project! Watch this space! Video by Dan Abbott

Malaysians for a Cleaner Malaysia

Reef Check Malaysia coordinated the annual nationwide beach clean-up throughout the month of September in conjunction with International Coastal Clean-up Day. A total of 9,316 volunteers joined the campaign on land and underwater, collecting a staggering 25,514 kg (56,248 lbs) of trash along 396 km of Malaysia coastline. Top items found were cigarette butts, plastic bottles and plastic or foam pieces smaller than 2.5 cm.

Turn Your Car (Or Boat!) Into a Vehicle for Change This Fall!

If you have an unwanted vehicle taking up space, you can donate it to benefit Reef Check! This year, we are participating in Cartober- a national campaign that raises awareness around this powerful means of giving. You can participate in Cartober and support Reef Check by donating your unwanted car, truck, motorcycle, RV or boat. The process is easy and free, and we will use the proceeds to continue to protect the world’s tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests. Visit https://careasy.org/nonprofit/reefcheckfoundation to learn more and get started. Pick up is free and your donation is tax deductible!