Science programme

Reef Check

Using one of the world's most widely recognised reef monitoring programs, we collect data that contribute to national and global assessments of reef health.

Introduction

Healthy coral reefs require long-term monitoring to understand how they are changing over time. As part of the global Reef Check monitoring network, Barefoot Conservation conducts standardised reef surveys to assess the condition of local coral reef ecosystems in Raja Ampat. Reef Check is one of the world's most widely used coral reef monitoring protocols, designed to collect scientifically robust data while allowing trained community members, divers, and conservation volunteers to contribute to reef science. Through this program, participants gain practical experience in ecological surveying while contributing valuable data to regional and global reef monitoring efforts.

What We Monitor

Reef Check surveys focus on key indicators of reef health, including coral communities, reef fish populations, and invertebrate species. These indicators were selected because they provide insight into ecosystem condition and reflect impacts such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation.

Surveys are conducted along standardised transects and assess:

  • Benthic communities – measuring substrate composition, including live coral cover and other reef habitat types
  • Fish communities – recording abundance of indicator fish species and families
  • Invertebrates – monitoring key reef organisms that are important indicators of ecosystem health

Using standardised methods allows data collected in Raja Ampat to be compared with reef monitoring sites around the world.

What you would actually do

Participants are trained in Reef Check survey techniques and assist with underwater data collection alongside the Barefoot science team.

Activities may include:

  • Fish identification and survey techniques
  • Coral and substrate assessments
  • Invertebrate identification
  • Underwater transect surveys
  • Data recording and validation
  • Reef monitoring and ecological observations

Through participation, divers develop skills in scientific diving, marine taxonomy, survey methodology, and ecological monitoring.

Project outcomes

Reef Check surveys conducted by Barefoot Conservation contribute to long-term monitoring of coral reef health in Raja Ampat. The data collected help track changes in reef condition, identify emerging threats, and improve understanding of ecosystem trends over time. Through participation in the Reef Check network, Barefoot contributes local reef observations to a broader global dataset supporting collaborative coral reef conservation efforts. Data collected through the program are shared with Reef Check Indonesia and Reef Check Worldwide, contributing to national and international assessments of reef health and helping inform conservation priorities.

Other programmes

Coral Ecology

Our flagship research program monitors reef health, coral bleaching, spawning events, and environmental conditions to better understand how Raja Ampat's reefs respond to a changing world.

Coral Restoration

Help grow the next generation of corals. Through nursery maintenance and scientific monitoring, we combine reef restoration with long-term research.

Manta Ray Photo-Identification

Every manta ray has a unique pattern. By photographing and identifying individuals, we contribute to long-term monitoring of Raja Ampat's manta populations.

Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Monitoring & Management

Monitoring and removing coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish helps protect vulnerable reefs and supports coral recovery across our monitoring sites.

Cyanobacteria & Water Quality

Investigating the links between water quality, cyanobacteria, and reef health helps us better understand the environmental pressures facing coral reefs.

Marine Debris

From beach clean-ups to long-term monitoring, we track marine pollution and support community-led solutions to keep Raja Ampat's coastlines healthy.

Community Engagement & Education

Conservation extends beyond the reef. Through environmental education, beach clean-ups, and community activities, we work alongside the Arborek community to support marine stewardship and environmental awareness.

Train on this programme.

No previous scientific experience is required. All training is provided by our science team.

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From £1,895
4–5 weeks

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