Background:
CoralWatch (www.coralwatch.org) was founded in 2002 at The University of Queensland as a citizen science initiative. It empowers anyone to monitor coral bleaching using the Coral Health Chart, a simple, scientifically validated tool. The chart features a 6-point color scale, allowing users to easily assess changes in coral color and track bleaching events over time (Siebeck et al., 2006).
This user-friendly system has been embraced by scientists, dive clubs, resorts, schools, community groups, and local governments. In scientific research, CoralWatch has been referenced in over 100 published studies, including prestigious journals like Nature and Science.
So far, CoralWatch participants have collected data on over 477,000 corals from 2,343 reefs in 79 countries, creating one of the largest global datasets for monitoring coral health.
Mission:
Project Mission:
CoralWatch aims to increase public awareness of the importance of coral reefs and empower people to take action to protect them by participating in scientific research and education efforts.
Objectives:
- Provide Accessible Data: Maintain a global coral health database and an interactive data map, offering real-time information on reef conditions worldwide.
- Support Volunteer Networks: Grow and support a global community of volunteers monitoring coral health and building resilience against climate change and coral bleaching.
- Offer Engaging Tools: Develop hands-on monitoring and education tools to raise awareness about the significance of reefs and inspire sustainable, low-carbon behaviors.
- Promote Community Action: Encourage individuals and communities to protect reefs and combat climate change through informed choices and actions.
Data Impact:
CoralWatch has created one of the largest global datasets on coral bleaching, with data from over 477,000 corals across 79 countries. This extensive dataset supports scientific research, informs conservation strategies, and empowers communities to monitor and protect reefs worldwide. All data is publicly available and downloadable for anyone to use.
How to Participate:
To participate, please reach out to SeaKeepers' South Pacific Director, Melissa White at [email protected] to sign up and receive your coral kit including the color chart.
Program Current Activity Link:
Program Partners:
