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26
Reef Check Conducts First-Ever
Kelp Forest Crossover Course in Hawai’i
Members of Reef Check’s Kelp Forest Monitoring Program traveled to Kailua Kona, Hawai‘i, for the inaugural Kelp Forest Crossover Training, becoming certified EcoDivers and supporting coral reef resiliency in the islands. After completing training, the team conducted four surveys along the Kona coast and enjoyed the iconic Manta Ray Night Dive. They also visited the ‘Āko‘ako‘a Coral Nursery to learn about coral restoration and even “fed” coral. Congratulations to Amanda, Chao, Elizabeth, Mark, Jaimee, and Sean for earning their EcoDiver certifications and joining efforts to protect reefs across the Pacific!
Aqaba’s New EcoDiver Team Joins the Reef Check Network in Jordan
In August, Aqaba hosted a Reef Check EcoDiver training program, a milestone in advancing marine conservation in Jordan. In cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Global Fund for Coral Reefs initiative and led by Prof. Dr. Mohammed M. Kotb, Royal Jordanian Navy divers were trained in coral reef monitoring through classroom sessions and hands-on underwater exercises in the Aqaba Marine Reserve. Beyond the technical aspects, the course highlighted the value of institutional cooperation. The joint efforts of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the Jordanian Royal Navy, and UNDP illustrate how cross-sectoral partnerships can translate into tangible outcomes for biodiversity protection.
Reef Check SoCal and Baja: Diving Beyond Borders for Kelp Forest Conservation
On October 12th, Reef Check SoCal and Reef Check Baja conducted their first joint kelp forest monitoring expedition off San Diego, marking a milestone for cross-border marine collaboration—the first time that a team of certified Reef Check divers from Mexico participated in a monitoring effort in California waters. Despite poor visibility preventing surveys, divers from both regions bonded during a recreational dive among deep-water giant elk kelp forests. Participants celebrated the spirit of unity and global stewardship, emphasizing that ocean conservation requires collaboration across cultures and coastlines—one diverse team, united by a common mission to protect the kelp forests that connect California and Baja California.
Video Spotlight: Indigenous Guardian Dive Training
Eight divers from six coastal British Columbia Nations took part in a five-day Indigenous Guardian dive workshop at Calvert Island hosted by the Hakai Institute in September. Working with expert trainers, including those from Reef Check’s Kelp Forest Monitoring Program, participants sharpened their kelp survey and species identification skills to support ecosystem monitoring efforts. Reef Check was proud to support this training along with the Hakai Institute, WWF-Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Pacific Salmon Foundation and other partners.
Diving into Success: Youth Lead the Way with “Dive into Science” Program
Reef Check’s Dive into Science program in the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles is making waves! Our 23 student-divers have completed over 300 dives this year, including four Open Water and one Advanced Open Water course. They’ve explored Marine Protected Areas at three of the Channel Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Catalina. Participants also joined the California Seaweed Festival at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for a fun and educational scavenger hunt. Upcoming adventures include whale watching and a natural-history trip to Santa Cruz Island. Funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program via California State Parks, this initiative equips youth with scuba and marine-science skills—and opens doors to exciting ocean careers.
Reef Check Malaysia: Community Action and New Digital Tools
In September, volunteers in the third Kod Blue cleanup in Kampung Juara collected 434.5 kg of trash and injected 198 Crown-of-Thorns starfish with vinegar to protect coral reefs. Educational outreach expanded across Kota Kinabalu, Mersing, and Johor, engaging over 300 students through marine education, cleanups, and mangrove planting. In Semporna, the Selakan Island waste program has diverted 1,339 kg of waste, while community members gained new skills in diving, drone use, and outreach. Reef Check Malaysia also launched website updates featuring interactive reef health maps, downloadable education modules, and new reports on marine conservation in Malaysia.
Without Data It’s All Just an Opinion: Citizen Science and Conservation in Barbados
Contest winner Tess Kneebone joined the Reef Check x Biosphere Expeditions liveaboard in the Maldives this month, an experience she describes as truly transformative. Over the week, expedition participants studied reef ecosystems, learned survey techniques, and conducted underwater assessments to monitor coral health. Seeing both recovery and decline across sites deepened Tess’ commitment to marine conservation, reaffirmed her passion for protecting the ocean and has inspired her to pursue a career in ocean conservation. Stay tuned for the 2026 expedition contest details!
Reef Check Italia Completes 11th Expedition to Indonesia; Participant Reflects on Trip
Reef Check Italia recently completed its 11th annual expedition to Bangka Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Participant Elena Manfredini, a recent graduate with a master’s in marine biology, vividly shares her valuable experience. Click below to read her account and find out how you can join the trip in 2026.
Growing the Kelp Day Family: A Community-Centric Kickoff to Science and Conservation!
In Baja California, the second annual Kelp Day was celebrated in Ensenada. Local organizations, universities, and community groups came together to honor the kelp forests that sustain life along the peninsula’s coast. What began as an initiative of the Ecosystem Management Group for the Californias (MexCal) at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC)—in collaboration with Reef Check—has now evolved into a growing community effort that bridges science, education, and conservation. The Reef Check Baja team conducted its annual monitoring survey at Campo Kennedy, one of Ensenada’s most visited dive sites and home of a once-lush kelp forest.
Reef Check in the News
Scientific data – Peninsula Daily News (Washington)
Everyone has a role to play when it comes to marine conservation – The Star (Malaysia)
Foundation awards $650K in binational grants for Tijuana River projects – Times of San Diego
Interactive map brings insight into Malaysia’s coral reef health – Citizens Journal
Guardians of the reefs – The Star (Malaysia)
Nearly 1,500 Crown-of-Thorns starfish removed in Lahad Datu reef cleanup – Borneo Post Online
For more, visit www.reefcheck.org/press/
