Thinking global, but acting local to harness citizen science for reef monitoring

Reef Check’s citizen scientists undertake extensive training that not only ensures robust data collection but also inspires a lifelong commitment to ocean stewardship.

Coral reefs are vital for livelihoods and the planet’s health. Yet, despite their global importance, it wasn’t until 1997 that thousands of dedicated volunteers dived in to survey these natural treasures and see how they were faring around the world.

But how can a team of volunteer divers, scattered around the world, collect consistent, reliable data? Reef Check Foundation took on the challenge, combining scientific rigor with the power of citizen science.

Reef Check Australia’s general manager, Jodi Salmond said monitoring reef health requires a nuanced understanding of a coral reef ecosystem. 

“The average recreational diver might not fully understand the role of different seafloor surfaces, or animals, or seaweeds on the reef. A white mark on a coral might be from disease, or crown-of-thorns starfish feeding, or bleaching. That's why volunteers go through in-depth training to make sure the data they’re collecting is accurate,” she said.  

The annual surveys provide invaluable long-term insights into how reefs change over time and help local communities and policymakers make informed decisions to protect these incredible ecosystems. 

But it’s not just about data for reef conservation. Reef Check Australia helps divers build a deeper understanding of the reef ecosystem—how each animal and organism plays a role.

"After finishing the training, volunteers gain a greater appreciation of reefs, which fosters ongoing stewardship, and sometimes shapes entire careers," says Jodi. 

A team of Reef Check Surveyors collect data. Photo: Reef Check Australia  

Opening doors to a career in marine conservation 

Meet Annie. You might already know her. Annie led the Healthy Waters Partnership, as its Executive Officer back in 2019.   

Annie’s story is a perfect example of how getting involved in a citizen science program can shape a lifelong career in ocean conservation.

While finishing up a marine biology degree in Brisbane, Annie found herself diving into the world of Reef Check Australia (RCA) as an intern project officer. That experience set the stage for the next step in her career, as RCA's Great Barrier Reef Survey Coordinator.

“As a survey coordinator, I got the chance to dive into long-term monitoring data, which became part of my PhD thesis looking at the levels of marine pollution on Queensland reefs,” said Annie.

“The hands-on experience gave me the confidence to use data for meaningful environmental impact.” 

Annie’s experience with RCA also opened professional doors.

“RCA helped me build a strong network in the marine field, which was instrumental when joining the Healthy Waters Partnership and in securing my current position as the Restoration Program Director for Reef Check in the United States,” said Annie.

Annie's journey shows how participating in a citizen science program can provide crucial career-building experiences and foster a lifelong commitment to stewardship of the planet’s marine ecosystems. 

Annie, who first joined Reef Check Australia as an intern project officer, is now the Restoration Program Director for Reef Check in the United States, which involves restoring kelp forests along the west coast of America.

Ocean stewardship: a ripple effect in motion 

Annie's story is just one example of the ongoing stewardship that being part of Reef Check inspires. But it’s not the only one.

“Being involved with RCA as a reef surveyor and trained by motivated people who paid close attention to detail, gave me confidence to conduct my own research later, as a master’s and PhD student in marine biology,” says Taleatha Pell.

Currently deep into her PhD, Taleatha is combining fieldwork and data analysis to explore how the early life stages of coral can support reef recovery and restoration methods. This is crucial work as reefs around the world face more frequent and severe disturbance events, and organisations look for effective ways to help restore them. 

Besides monitoring reefs, Reef Check also create reef ambassadors, role models who are passionate about sharing knowledge on local reef health to inspire positive action.

A Reef Check crew at a community event, including Jodi Salmond (centre) and Pablo Fuenzalida (right). Photo: Reef Check Australia

“It was the best thing I did as an undergraduate,” says Reef Check Ambassador and team leader Pablo Fuenzalida. “It equipped me with life skills. From managing and executing an event to fundraising and science communication. It’s been invaluable.”

Pablo has put those skills to use, as the only Australasian recipient of the prestigious research scholarship backed by Rolex, Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society. He’s spent the past few months organising research opportunities around the world, while expanding his skills as a marine scientist and communicator.

“The reef ambassador program has evolved since its launch, as ambassadors wanted to drive behaviour change in their communities,” says Jodi.  

“Their passion for making a difference ripples through their communities, inspiring others to understand, appreciate and act on reef health issues, creating a lasting movement of ocean stewardship.” 

A Reef Check Surveyor monitoring Middle Reef, in Townsville’s Cleveland Bay. Photo: Reef Check Australia.

Citizen Science in the Waterways Report Card

Across the length and breadth of the Great Barrier Reef, many organisations monitor reef condition. The annual Waterways Report Card brings this data together to grade coral reefs in Cleveland and Halifax Bays, and further offshore. Reef Check Australia volunteers play a vital role in collecting this data.

Executive Officer for the Healthy Waters Partnership, Kara-Mae Coulter-Atkins, emphasises that very few citizen science programs contribute data to critical decision-making tools like the Report Card.

“In our annual Waterways Report Card, only two citizen science programs have the rigorous, standardised methodology to ensure their data is credible and reliable.

“Reef Check Australia is one of those programs, and their extensive training of citizen scientists is key to that,” said Kara. 

Since 2003, Reef Check Australia has surveyed more than 20 reef health monitoring sites in the Townsville Dry Tropics region thanks to industry partnerships, Townsville City Council support, and the hard work of dedicated volunteers and team leaders.  

Ready to dive in? Whether you're up for some hands-on clean up, reef research, or spreading the word in your community, there's a way for you to make an impact and share your passion for the ocean with Reef Check Australia.