The Transect Line - July/August 2025

Despite Rough Seas, Reef Check Celebrates 2,000th Kelp Forest Monitoring Survey

The 2025 monitoring season not only marks our 20th year of kelp forest monitoring, but also has the added excitement of the completion of our 2,000th kelp forest monitoring survey! After some uncertainty as to exactly which region would mark the special occasion and despite rough seas, seasick divers and the ticking clock, Southern California had the honor of completing the 2,000th survey at Cathedral Cove off Anacapa Island; quite fitting as this site was first surveyed on June 23, 2006, and has been surveyed 13 times over the past 20 years. Congratulations to our stalwart volunteers– you make all our work possible year after year!

A Breakthrough for Sunflower Sea Stars – and a Glimmer of Hope

Over a decade ago, sea stars along the West Coast began disappearing almost overnight and Reef Check volunteers noticed the alarming changes when they reported sick and dying sea stars across California. The cause of this mysterious illness, Sea Star Wasting Disease, was unknown for years. Divers watched as stars developed lesions, lost arms, and melted away, but no one could say for certain what was causing it. Now, thanks to new research, the mystery has been solved. A bacterium, Vibrio pectenicida, is responsible for the wasting disease, resolving one of the most enduring mysteries in one of the largest marine epidemics ever observed. This long-awaited discovery marks a major step toward understanding—and hopefully reversing—the decline of these important predators.

Pacific Coral Reefs at a Crossroads: New Report Calls for Urgent Global Action

A major new regional assessment launched in June by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) calls for urgent and unified action to protect the future of coral reefs in the Pacific. Released at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, the Status and Trends of Coral Reefs of the Pacific: 1980–2023 is the most comprehensive report produced on the region’s reefs to date and includes Reef Check’s extensive database from the region going back to 1997. The report delivers a nuanced picture: one of resilience in the face of mounting pressure, but also one that signals urgent intervention is needed as these findings predate the ongoing Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event — the most widespread and intense ever recorded.

Video Spotlight: Did you know kelp forests in Baja California need our help?

Reef Check and MexCal are building an underwater citizen science force to preserve what we have left and restore what we have lost. Join us!

Video by Marco Mazza

View Video

Without Data It’s All Just an Opinion: Citizen Science and Conservation in Barbados

The vibrant underwater world of Barbados’ Carlisle Bay buzzed with purpose this past June, as a dedicated team of citizen scientists from diverse backgrounds across the United States gathered for a week of intensive training in data collection efforts aimed at saving the coral reef ecosystem. This collaborative mission between CARES and Barbados Blue is a testament to the power of international partnership and shared environmental stewardship. As the citizen scientists returned to their homes, they carried with them not only data sheets and memories of Barbados’ stunning reefs but also a profound understanding of their role in a larger global movement.

Last Chance! Win a Spot on Maldives EcoExpedition!

In partnership with Reef Check, Biosphere Expeditions is offering a free place (flights excluded) on its SCUBA diving expedition to the Maldives this October!

You’ll learn Reef Check EcoDiver methodology to track coral reef health alongside a crew of passionate citizen scientists from around the globe.

Where: Maldives
When: October 11-17, 2025
Deadline to apply: September 1, 2025
Must be: Open Water certified
How: Submit a 1-min video OR 100-word pitch

Are you ready to dive with a purpose?

New 20th Anniversary Design Available!

Check out Reef Check’s new merchandise at Crewtopia! This updated collection features Reef Check’s Kelp Forest Monitoring Program 20th Anniversary logo in a brand new design!