Tools and approaches

• ​permanent sites and random surveys
  
• coral measurements: belt transects
  
• benthic cover: point intercept surveys
  
• fish assessments: belt transects and roving surveys
  
• photo and video transects
  
• tagged corals
  
• recruitment surveys: quadrats
  

Reef monitoring and assessment

We survey reefs and associated habitats to:

1. Characterize and map the community

2. Identify the fish and invertebrates present

3. Evaluate the population size, condition and health of the organisms

4. Identify threats and stressors 

5. Locate sites more resilient to climate change and human stressors

6. Determine if management measures are working

7. Document recovery from bleaching, COTS outbreaks, and other damage

8. Identify conservation actions

9. Provide an early warning of problems