Ocean Reef Conservation and Scientific Research Gathering Efforts - A Look at the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)

Protecting our beautiful and amazing ocean wildlife has been an on going goal for profit and non-profit clubs, organizations, committee's, local government agencies and marine enthusiasts alike. Unfortunately, it seems that we may be a dollar short and a day late based on the state of our diverse and delicate reefs of the world.

Pollution, global warming, human error and carelessness all have had a profound effect and impact on the destruction and reduction of our reefs especially in recent years. It is a great feeling to see more and more people whether it be on the professional level such as scientist, biologist and oceanographer down to the conscientious and avid diver, snorkeler, marine aquarist, public aquarium and marine parks. It is because of important and ongoing research, education and services that our oceans and reefs may have a bright future. One such organization that can have an impact on our reefs is called REEF.

REEF, otherwise known as the reef environmental education foundation, is a pioneer in the conduction of fish biodiversity and census performed by recreational divers through the combined surveys funded by PADI(R) project AWARE.

What does this all mean?

Basically, the REEF program works in North and Central America, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Divers and marine enthusiasts alike have the ability to become active stewards and citizen scientists, and actively making significant contributions through strategic partnership in accordance with government agencies, science and academic institutions, no profit sectors and local communities. Divers are able to observe and document various marine life in the areas mentioned earlier. Survey and documentation results can be obtained through the diving efforts of anyone basically. Increasing the knowledge base of our ocean's ecosystem and the ability to make appropriate and quick decisions based on our vulnerable and diverse reef marine biotope is crucial and what the main goal of REEF is.

To get started in this fun and important conservational organization, by visiting the on line store at REEF, you can purchase the tools(scanforms and survey material) needed to sufficiently devise accurate and appropriate results through fish watching, proper identification of species of fish etc. and discussions, leading to the linking of divers with that of scientist, resource managers and conservationists.

The ability for divers to observe the fish and other marine organisms in a designated location is very important in hopes of keeping the delicate balance in on our reefs in check. Actively observing species to see if that species is actually suppose to be living there is crucial. If a particular fish species is encountered in say the Caribbean, but is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands can pose numerous problems. This can be said with terrestrial animals as well. Cross-breeding, economic and environmental impact and future ramifications of these situations can have negative implications on many animals and environments.

Two excellent examples of this are evident with the observance of Lion fish that are tropical water fish hailing from the Indo- and Pacific regions, but have been encountered off the coast of Rhode Island. The other being the sighting of a species of Indo-Pacific Batfish that was living of the coast of Florida. The introduction of unwanted animals, hitchhiking animals or otherwise can potentially impact our ecosystem adversely due to the species of fish, invertebrate, algae or any other animal not normally found in the location that it is spotted.

This can lead to a cross breading situation,or population explosion as evident with the Caulerpa taxifolia, Brazilian Water Hyacinth, Asian Green Mussle(Perna Viridis), Peacock Grouper(Cephalopholis argus) and Bluestripe snapper(Lutjanus kasmira). All of these have one thing in common with each other...they were all either released or introduced as a result of human error or by accident as hitchhikers. These non-native or invasive species of organisms can alter native habitats, become pests change biological processes regarding breeding and coexistence with one another.

As a member of REEF, you can help to control possible negative implications from happening, by observing and realizing that a particular animal is not native and therefore should be removed as soon as possible as is in the case of the Batfish that was removed from Florida and relocated in a better location, if not in its original environment.

Usually these scenarios carry out with an aquarist not wanting a particular animal, and either can't return it to a local pet shop or chooses to release it in the local waterways instead without regards to the possible negative implications that decision may have. Boats are also a great way for nuisance or pest animals to be introduced as hitchhikers on boat hulls or ballast water. Release of animals in storm water drains can also possibly end in a negative result ensuing. Moreover, at times, we, as scientists, government agencies or farmers will, with good intentions, alter native habitats by introducing a non native species of fish or plant in hopes of controlling some native pest. This scenario is evident with the introduction of the Australian Pine Tree in Florida that is now killing the mangroves and drying up vast wetlands in the Florida Keys.

Human health threats, introduced disease and parasites, out-competition of the new species to the native species, altered prey and predator relationship and economic effect all can have a negative impact on the introduction of an exotic species!!!! This is where REEF comes into place, in hopes of keeping some sort of order and possible elimination of unwanted or exotic species that may pose an unbalance in the delicate ecosystem.

This and other organizations need to be focused on and created. Donations of time and money can go a long way in efforts of reducing error and maintaining a tight leash on potential problems that may or may not arise today but in the near future. Observance, education and survey data through the combined efforts of both aquarist and organizations such as REEF can be a valuable tool in the prevention of serious problems that may ensue.