Long Term Reef
Monitoring Project

Coral Reef Monitoring Research

Coral reef monitoring using Reef Check and Coral Watch protocols is essential for understanding and preserving the health of reef ecosystems. These protocols provide standardized methods for collecting data on coral health, fish populations, and invertebrate abundance, which are critical for establishing a baseline of reef conditions. This baseline data is invaluable for tracking changes over time and assessing the impacts of environmental stressors such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

Reef Check and Coral Watch protocols emphasize the importance of conducting surveys at the same locations and times each year. This consistency helps eliminate the effects of seasonal variations, ensuring that the data accurately reflects long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations. By repeating surveys under these controlled conditions, researchers can detect subtle changes in the reef ecosystem that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Monitoring coral reefs using these protocols allows scientists to identify early signs of reef degradation, such as coral bleaching or disease outbreaks. Early detection is crucial for implementing timely conservation measures to mitigate damage and promote reef recovery. Additionally, the data collected through these surveys contribute to global databases, enhancing our understanding of coral reef health on a broader scale.

Reef Buddy Philippines (RBP) offers opportunities for volunteers to participate in coral reef monitoring using these protocols. By joining RBP, volunteers can contribute to vital conservation efforts, gain hands-on experience in marine research, and help protect the delicate balance of Philippine reef ecosystems. Participation in these programs not only supports scientific research but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of marine conservation.

Nora Valdes

Operations

Building The Picture

Predator Week

Monitoring apex predators and containing invasive Crown of Thorns are crucial for maintaining the health of Philippine reef ecosystems. Apex predators, such as sharks and large groupers, play a vital role in regulating the populations of other marine species, ensuring a balanced and healthy ecosystem. The use of Baited Remote Underwater Video Surveillance (BRUVS) is an effective method for monitoring these predators. BRUVS allow researchers to observe and record the presence and behaviour of apex predators without the need for intrusive methods that could disturb the marine environment.

BRUVS provide valuable data on the diversity and abundance of apex predators, which helps in assessing the overall health of the reef ecosystem. This data is essential for predicting changes in prey species and understanding long-term ecological dynamics. By monitoring apex predators, scientists can detect early signs of ecosystem imbalance and take proactive measures to protect the reef.

Invasive Crown of Thorns pose a significant threat to Philippine reefs. Their voracious appetite and lack of natural predators allow them to outcompete native species for food and habitat, leading to declines in biodiversity. Containment efforts, such as organized Crown of Thorns hunts, are necessary to control their population and mitigate their impact on the reef ecosystem.

Reef Buddy Philippines offers opportunities for volunteers to participate in both apex predator monitoring and Crown of Thorns containment. By joining these activities, volunteers contribute to vital conservation efforts, gain hands-on experience in marine research, and help protect the delicate balance of Philippine reef ecosystems. Participation in these programs not only supports scientific research but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of marine conservation.

Gary Ward

Executive

Understanding the Role of Predators

Coral Regeneration & Gardening

In-water coral gardens and active reefscape gardening are vital strategies for restoring and preserving Philippine reefs. These methods involve cultivating coral fragments in underwater nurseries and then transplanting them onto degraded reef areas. This approach not only helps replenish coral populations but also enhances the structural complexity of the reef, providing habitat for a diverse array of marine species.

Coral gardening has shown significant success in the Philippine, particularly with species like staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis). Studies have demonstrated that out planted corals exhibit similar survival and productivity rates as wild colonies, indicating the effectiveness of these restoration techniques. By increasing coral cover and diversity, these efforts contribute to the overall resilience of reef ecosystems, making them better equipped to withstand environmental stressors.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of coral gardening initiatives. At Reef Buddy Philippines (RBP), volunteers are involved in every step of the process, from growing coral fragments in nurseries to out-planting and monitoring their progress. This hands-on involvement not only supports the restoration efforts but also educates participants about marine conservation and the importance of healthy reef ecosystems.

The impacts of climate change, ocean warming, and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on coral reefs have been profound. Over the 2023/24 period, increased sea temperatures have exacerbated coral bleaching events, where corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading to a loss of color and vital energy sources. These stressors highlight the urgency of active reef restoration efforts. By maintaining and expanding coral gardens, we can help mitigate some of the damage caused by these global phenomena and support the recovery of affected reefs.

Participation in RBP's coral gardening programs offers volunteers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on marine conservation. Through their efforts, volunteers help ensure the survival of coral species and the health of Philippine reef ecosystems for future generations.

Racqs Artuz

Operations

Growth of a new Generation

ADVENTURE IN DAUIN

If you want to choose active activities to make your volunteering memorable, we can help you with that. Contact us to organise your trip.

$712

FROM

PER WEEK