The Story of REEFCHECK@TAIWAN

REEF CHECK@TAIWAN was born more than 10 years ~

It has the unique history and is just starting the new page ~

In 1997, International ReefCheck was initiated for checking the health of world’s coral reef, and Taiwan responded the action in the same year. For the last decade, ReefCheck is conducted in Taiwan by “Taiwan Coral Reef Society” and many marine scientists since beginning 1997 until now.

 In 2008, when world was celebrating secondary IYOR (International Year Of Reef), the scientific ReefCheck team in Taiwan tried to cooperate with non-academic groups - diving stores. With volunteers gathered by several diving stores, Taiwan started to have non-scientific participants in ReefCheck.
In summer, 2008, four general divers responded the calling of PengHu Eco-Working Holiday hold by Taiwan Environmental Information Association (TEIA). This four pioneering divers followed TEIA to a remote tropical island to record the situation of reef for the local community. Although no academic researcher involved, the action was successful and gained many positive feedbacks. It was the key point to generate the truly grass-root ReefCheck in Taiwan.

 ~ Rebirth of REEF CHECK@TAIWAN ~

In 2009, beside the constant efforts by “Taiwan Coral Reef Society” (more about scientific ReefCheck click here), ReefCheck@Taiwan was officially initiated by NGOs. Follow the original concept, two organizers, TAMME and TEIA, widely expressed the vision of ReefCheck and called for the diving volunteers publicly and nationally. With more than 40 non-academic diving volunteers, total 6 coral sites around Taiwan were checked in 2009, including East-North Coast, Green Island, Penghu Islands, Shanyuan(Taitung), Liuqiu Island, and Lanyu Island. The 2009 ReefCheck@Taiwan were successfully accomplished the data collection and had recorded the under-water disaster after the super typhoon Morakot.

Come to 2010, TEIA continues the movement of ReefCheck@Taiwan to last the passion and enthusiastic from all participants in 2009. Through the action, we understand the meaning and significance of ReefCheck, see the divers’ worry and concern toward ocean, and regain the inspiration from the big blue. This year, please come to join us in 2010 ReefCheck@Taiwan. Let us stand up for the future of coral reef. Let us learn the amazing story of marine kingdom through the diver’s eyes.