Current Projects

BONAIRE RESEARCH

AUGUST 2023

On July 30, Reef Expeditions led a team of 12 citizen scientists trained in AGRRA monitoring techniques to survey the reefs of Bonaire in collaboration with STINAPA, the authority governing the island’s Marine Protected Areas (MPA). In the six months prior to the expedition, the team studied fish, coral and benthic creatures to become versed in their identification, and learned the AGRRA survey protocols. The team consisted of reef experts, volunteers and students, including those from both Miami University and Ohio State University. The team conducted over 70 fish surveys, 40 benthic surveys, six detailed coral coverage surveys and six disease surveys. The data accumulated from these surveys is being entered into the AGRRA database, where it will be used by scientists around the globe to gain a greater understanding of changes occuring on coral reefs over time across the Caribbean. From the data, we will be producing a report that analyzes our findings.