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We’re on the ’gram! Follow us today for an even deeper dive with a social connection.
Meet Jessica Pantoja, Reef Check’s Baja California Regional Manager!
Originally from Guadalajara and now based in Ensenada, Jessica has dedicated her career to marine conservation, with a special focus on kelp forests. “Since undergrad, all I’ve studied are marine macrophytes—algae and seagrasses have been my passion.” Her work combines social and ecological perspectives, and she’s deeply involved with fishing communities to ensure biodiversity thrives along Baja’s coastline.
Jessica first connected with Reef Check during her studies: “I remember being in awe of how science, diving, and citizen science came together to protect kelp forests. Now, being Baja’s Regional Manager feels magical. Incredible things happen when you believe in yourself and follow your dreams.”
She’s most excited about the 2025 survey season where she will work with fishermen, academics, and divers from Mexico and the U.S. to expand surveys along the Baja Peninsula.
Jessica’s favorite Reef Check memory? A curious rockfish once followed her during a transect, stopping and starting with her every move. “It was such a funny and humbling moment. It’s the little interactions like that which remind me why I do this work.”
When not diving, Jessica surfs big waves, calling it a source of energy and gratitude. She’s also part of @nosotrasyelmar, a women-led group promoting coastal protection through cleanups, contests, and awareness campaigns.
Say hi to Jessica in the comments and follow along as she leads conservation efforts across Baja! 💙
#ReefCheck #OceanConservation #BajaCalifornia #KelpForests #WomenInScience #CitizenScience #GirlsThatScuba #ScubaDiver #Surfer
Corals are more than colorful structures—they’re the foundation of the ocean’s most biodiverse habitats, essential for marine life and human benefits alike. However, identifying and monitoring coral health remain a challenging task.
That’s why initiatives like scientific diver courses and survey efforts are important. By improving our understanding of these reef builders, we can better track reef health and inform conservation efforts.
Find a Reef Check team near you or in a location you plan to visit on our website.
📸: @azul.unlimited
#CoralReefs #OceanConservation #SaveOurReefs #MarineBiodiversity #SustainableTourism #ScubaDiver #CoralBleaching #Indonesia #ReefRestoration
The reef builders... AKA corals.
Corals are the architects of our oceans, creating vibrant reefs that support countless marine species! But as you probably already know, these underwater wonders are at risk. Learn more about protecting these reef-building marvels with the new Corals guide—packed with tips and insights for identifying coral genera across the Indo-Pacific. Perfect for divers, scientists, and ocean lovers alike.
Grab the book and get reading to become a part of the solution! Link in bio.
#SaveOurReefs #CoralReefs #OceanConservation #ScubaDiver #CoralLover #MarineLife #ReefCheck #ClimateCrisis #OceanAcidification
Congratulations to our Northern California Tribal Cohort #1 participants for completing their @nauiworldwide Advanced Scuba Diver course! We had gorgeous conditions at Van Damme State Beach
@reefcheckfoundation
Check that vis!
Doesn’t get better than this on the Mendocino Coast 30+ft
#reefcheckcalifornia #bullkelp #mpamonitoring #reefcheckfoundation
A huge thanks to the awesome volunteers who came out to help survey 3 sites in Point Arena!
🎥: @halcyon_offshore
