[Coral-List] REEF Fish Database Tops 75k
Christy Pattengill-Semmens
christy at reef.org
Mon Nov 1 14:52:55 EST 2004
REEF Fish Survey Database Hits NEW Milestone
For over ten years, REEF has been compiling one of the largest fish
sightings database in the world. The database has reached a significant
milestone by passing the 75,000 individual survey mark. This is an
increasingly powerful and valuable data set that is frequently used by
natural resource managers, policy makers, and researchers to make
informed decisions about fish populations throughout much of the Western
Hemisphere. Data summaries are available through REEF's website
(www.reef.org) and raw data is available upon request.
Aside from being the largest data set of its kind, another unique aspect
of it is that the entirety of these data have been gathered by trained
volunteer recreational divers and snorkelers. This type of effort, often
called "citizen science," provides a cost-effective and accurate picture
of living fish populations in our oceans. Frequently, groups who need
and use this critical data, such as the US National Marine Sanctuary
System and the US National Park Service, do not have the resources in
money or manpower to conduct such extensive looks at the fish
populations in their area. The REEF program, known as the "Fish Survey
Project," is a powerful conservation tool that assists them in acquiring
this critical information.
"Seventy Five Thousand fish population surveys by volunteers are a
powerful statement about how recreational divers can become personally
involved in helping preserve the marine environment," said Paul Humann,
noted fish identification author and photographer and REEF co-founder.
Volunteer divers and snorkelers involved in this program have been
trained in fish species identification and survey techniques using a
methodology specially designed by REEF that allows individuals to
conduct fish censuses anytime they are in the water in one of our
designated survey regions. These survey regions are widespread and span
much of the Western Hemisphere. Volunteers are able to contribute to
marine conservation during their normal dive activities without altering
their normal dive plans or habits. Additionally, REEF provides other
opportunities to participate in special focused projects as well as
organized activities such as the Great Annual Fish Count and REEF Field
Surveys. This approach has allowed REEF to engage thousands of
individuals in the process. Membership in the organization, founded in
1990, is free and REEF now boasts more than 28,000 members.
"REEF represents the best in volunteerism. If more service-based
non-profits had the combination of dedication and determination of REEF,
conservation in the United States would be much better off. Through
sheer hard work and sacrifice, REEF has set the bar high for other
conservation groups, but has been unselfish in helping them develop and
improve their programs. We need more REEFs!" Said Dr. Steve Gittings,
Research Coordinator for NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary System, one of
the primary users of REEF data.
<http://www.reef.org/>
--
Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D.
Scientific Coordinator
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
www.reef.org
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