Reef Check - Saving reef Worldwide  
 
 
     
  What is 2008 Reef Check Photo Contest  
 

In celebration of the International Year of the Reef 2008, Reef Check is hosting the photo contest “What Do Reefs Mean to You?” The goal is to raise awareness about the value and plight of coral and rocky reefs worldwide, and to encourage people to take action to help conserve reefs and associated ecosystems. Even if you are not a photographer, you can still participate by voting for your favorite photo!

 
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  Who is Reef Check - Why We Support Reef Check?  
  Founded in 1996 by marine ecologist Dr. Gregor Hodgson, the Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 80 countries, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits. Reef Check goals are to: educate the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check's scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.
 
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  What Can We do to Save Coral Reefs  
 
 
  1. Become a member of Reef Check or email rcinfo@reefcheck.org for details.

  2. Support reef-friendly businesses.
    Ask what your dive shop, boating store, tour operators, hotel and other coastal businesses are doing to save the coral reefs. Let them know how you are an informed consumer and care about reefs.

  3. Don’t use chemically enhanced pesticides and fertilizers.
    Although you may live thousands of miles from a coral reef ecosystem, these products end up in the watershed
    and may ultimately impact the waters that support coral.

  4. Volunteer for a reef cleanup.
    You don’t live near a coral reef? Then do what many people do on their vacation: visit a coral reef. Spend an afternoon enjoying the beauty of one of the world’s treasures while helping to preserve it for future generations.

  5. Learn more about coral reefs.
    How many different species live in reefs? What new medicines have been discovered in reef organisms? Participate in training or educational programs that focus on reef ecology. You can find out about these trainings at www.reefcheck.org. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the fragility and value of the world’s coral reefs.

  6. Become a member of your local aquarium or zoo.
    Ask what they are doing and what your donation can do towards saving the world’s coral reefs. The answer may pleasantly surprise you.

  7. When you visit a coral reef, help keep it healthy by respecting all local guidelines, recommendations, regulations, and customs. Ask local authorities or your dive shop how
    to protect the reef.

  8. When you visit a coral reef, always wear waterproof sun block.
    This keeps it from coming off in the water and causing pollution.

  9. When snorkeling, always wear a flotation device. 
    This keeps you from getting tired and stepping on the reefs which could break or kill it.

  10. Never take a piece of the reef
    not even a small bit.
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