Reef CheckAn initiative betweenSouth Island SchoolWest Island SchoolSWIMS

Aims– To identify areas in which permanent reef

survey areas can be set up in Hong Kong– to collect data related to the health of the coral

reef ecosystem through the training and collaboration of staff and pupil from South Island School and West Island School

– To collect reliable data over a period of years – something not yet done in Hong Kong through a reef check initiative.

Possible Curriculum Links– CAS – now supports long term projects – CAS activities– Possible field trips for IA in IB – Possible source for IB EE – still to verify – Environmental initiative – positive action– Great experience for future careers

Coral Reef– Found only in a zone extending at most from

30°N to 30°S of the equator – Occupy less than 1 % of the ocean, but are

home to more than 25 % of all known marine species

– Optimum temperature is 26-27 °C for most coral reefs

– Threaten by climatic change, overfishing, human disturbance, ocean acidification…

What is the status of the world’s reefs?

Reef Check– A programme combining education, science

and conservation– To educate the public about the value of reef

ecosystems and the current threats to the corals

– Create a global network of volunteer teams to regularly monitor and report on status of corals

– Stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs

Global survey of coral reef health organized by Reef Check Foundation

– First started 1997– Over 80 countries are involved, ranging from

Australia, Japan, to U.S.A.– Official coral reef monitoring program of

United Nation

Reef Check Foundation– An international non-governmental organization – Found in 1996 by Dr. Gregor Hodgson – Dedicated to the conservation of two reef ecosystems:

tropical coral reefs and Californian rocky reefs

Methodology

What types of data are required?– Percentage of live coral cover– Percentage of dead coral cover– Percentage of other substrata

Anything Else??– Fish Abundance & Diversity– Invertebrate Abundance & Diversity– Others….

What are indicator species?– Groups or types of biological resources that can

be used to assess environmental condition (USEPA)

– Example: Lichens is an indicator species for air pollution

What are the indicator species in Reef Check?– Global indicators including butterfly fish, Diadema, grouper, haemulids, lobster and live coral index

– additional spp. may also be monitored according to the situation of particular region

http://www.ioc.unesco.org/gcrmn/ropme/Presentations/M.%20Hassan-ReefCheck.pdf

http://www.ioc.unesco.org/gcrmn/ropme/Presentations/M.%20Hassan-ReefCheck.pdf

What we have done in Hong Kong?

– Annual survey of corals in Hong Kong started since 1997

– Organized by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in collaboration with Reef Check foundation since 2000

– a total of 34 sites were surveyed which covered covering extensive marine areas of ecological importance

– Extending from Tung Ping Chau in the north to Ninepin Groups in the south

– 34 dive teams with over 340 volunteers were involved