Published Jun 5, 2014 at 8:00 am

Dr Thaddeus Murdoch surveys the coral reef

Doing your part to help protect Bermuda’s coral reefs has never been easier and on Saturday, June 28, the Bermuda Zoological Society, with the support of lead sponsor Hiscox, will host Reef Watch 2014, a community environmental monitoring project that examines the health of Bermuda’s coral reef systems.

Each participant is provided with the necessary training to learn how to survey reefs, taking into account fish stocks and coral coverage. The data they collect on the day will then be collated and used in the ongoing assessment of the state of Bermuda’s reef system. Participants are expected to work together in teams of four during the event.

However, in addition to the data collected, participants have the opportunity to help raise funds for the ongoing protection and conservation of Bermuda’s coral reefs. Last year, those who participated raised more than $21,000.

Each team is encouraged to raise at least $500 in pledges from family and friends, and through corporate matching. The team that raises the most for the day is rewarded with prizes, so there is fierce competition to go above and beyond. Last year that honour went to Team Faraway, led by Tim Davidson, which raised more than $1,400.

Tim said: “Taking part in Reef Watch last year was a rewarding experience that I highly recommend. Bermuda’s reefs are an important part of our ecosystem and Reef Watch allows participants to expand their knowledge while collecting valuable data. It is also a fantastic way to spend a day on the water.”

Jeremy Pinchin, CEO of Hiscox, also participated with his family in last year’s event and said: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to make a hands-on contribution, along with others from Hiscox, through the Reef Watch programme. Since coming to the Island, my family and I continue to be in awe of the rich and colourful ocean environment that surrounds Bermuda. The opportunity to be a citizen scientist and help preserve the marine environment was an opportunity that I could not turn down.

“I am pleased that through the data collected, Dr (Thaddeus) Murdoch and his team have been able to conclude that most of our reefs are healthy. Some however are only in a moderately healthy condition, which makes it all the more important that the Reef Watch work continues.”

The Bermuda Reef Ecosystem Analysis and Monitoring (BREAM) programme is led by chief scientist Dr Thaddeus Murdoch.

***

Registration is now open for Reef Watch 2014. Those interested in participating should visit www.bzs.bm for more information on how to register.