Reliability and utility of citizen science reef monitoring data collected by Reef Check Australia, 2002–2015

Done, Terence; Roelfsema, Christiaan M; Harvey, A. Laurie; Schuller, Laura; Hill, Jocelyn; Schläppy, Marie‐Lise; Lea, A M; Bauer-Civiello, Anne; Loder, Jennifer

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.054

Cited by 43 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…The Reef Check dataset (reefc heck.org) was collected by scientists and trained citizen-scientists using a standardized protocol (Hodgson, 1999;Sully et al, 2019). The validity of the Reef Check dataset is well documented (Done et al, 2017), and the data have been used in several global analyses (Hodgson, 1999;Sully et al, 2019). In each survey, the percentage of the coral populations experiencing bleaching was recorded.…”

Section: Biological and Environmental Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

Turbid reefs moderate coral bleaching under climate‐related temperature stress

Sully

Woesik

2020

Global Change Biology

112

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Thermal‐stress events that cause coral bleaching and mortality have recently increased in frequency and severity. Yet few studies have explored conditions that moderate coral bleaching. Given that high light and high ocean temperature together cause coral bleaching, we explore whether corals at turbid localities, with reduced light, are less likely to bleach during thermal‐stress events than corals at other localities. We analyzed coral bleaching, temperature, and turbidity data from 3,694 sites worldwide with a Bayesian model and found that Kd490, a measurement positively related to turbidity, between 0.080 and 0.127 reduced coral bleaching during thermal‐stress events. Approximately 12% of the world's reefs exist within this “moderating turbidity” range, and 30% of reefs that have moderating turbidity are in the Coral Triangle. We suggest that these turbid nearshore environments may provide some refuge through climate change, but these reefs will need high conservation status to sustain them close to dense human populations.

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Section: Biological and Environmental Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

Turbid reefs moderate coral bleaching under climate‐related temperature stress

Sully

Woesik

2020

Global Change Biology

112

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“…Coral cover estimates were shown to be more precise at homogenous sites than at heterogeneous sites (Done et al, 2017). This evaluation of RCA data limitations, defines the strength of interpretation for long-term trends and enhances knowledge about data utility for suitable applications.…”

Section: Case-study 1: Demonstrating Citizen Science Data Quality Thrmentioning

confidence: 84%

“…A key factor influencing use of citizen science data is perceptions about data quality. To increase legitimacy and acceptance of RCA data for science and management applications, RCA undertook a study to identify how data collection methods and surveyor precision influences the data collected by RCA volunteers (Done et al, 2017). This study quantified the variability inherent in the standardized Reef Check point-intercept sampling method, including transect deployment variation, site characteristics and the variability created by different observers collecting substrate percent cover data.…”

Section: Case-study 1: Demonstrating Citizen Science Data Quality Thrmentioning

confidence: 99%

Making Waves: Marine Citizen Science for Impact

et al. 2017

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“…The pressures of rapid population growth in the southeast Queensland region of Australia have been specifically highlighted for Moreton Bay [11], located in proximity to the greater Brisbane area of 2.3 million people [16]. To understand the potential impacts of ever-increasing pressures on coral communities in this region and deliver management strategies to ensure their longevity, the collection of long-term ecological monitoring data is essential [17]. Unfortunately, many subtropical reefs have limited long-term monitoring programs in place [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Citizen scientists highlight conservation value of a small subtropical reef, Flinders Reef, southeast Queensland, Australia

Grol

Vercelloni

Kenyon

et al. 2019

Preprint

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Subtropical reefs are unique ecosystems that require effective management – informed by regular ecological monitoring – to foster resilience to environmental changes. Resources to conduct monitoring are limited, and citizen science can complement data from local management agencies. Here, citizen science efforts document the ecological status of a subtropical reef, Flinders Reef, Moreton Bay Marine Park, Australia. Ecological surveys, following Reef Check Australia and CoralWatch protocols, were conducted by 44 trained volunteers. Ten sites at Flinders Reef were surveyed at 5-10 m depth in autumn and spring. Additionally, underwater photos and depth surveys were integrated with satellite imagery to create a detailed habitat map. Coral cover across sites ranged between 14% and 67%. Branching corals dominated the site with 67% cover and showed 89% dissimilarity in coral community composition compared to other sites. Coral community composition was mostly explained by spatial variation, of which 16% was influenced by wave exposure. Observed reef impacts including physical damage, unknown scars and coral disease were three times lower than studies on more accessible reefs in Moreton Bay Marine Park. Invertebrate abundance was relatively low (6.65 individuals per 100 m2), with the most abundant groups observed being sea urchins (Diademaspp.), gastropods (Drupellaspp.) and anemones. Butterflyfish were recorded at every site and were the most abundant fish group surveyed. Findings highlight the healthy condition of Flinders Reef, likely influenced by its offshore location and protection status as a ‘no-take’ zone. This study demonstrates that increasing the current 500m radius protection zone by a further 500m could double the protected area of coral, offering potential further conservation benefits. The findings resulting from the ecological data analysis and created benthic habitat map, provide an example of how citizen science based projects can assist marine park authorities and the public in ongoing conservation efforts.

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Reliability and utility of citizen science reef monitoring data collected by Reef Check Australia, 2002–2015

Cited by 43 publications

References 14 publications

Turbid reefs moderate coral bleaching under climate‐related temperature stress

Turbid reefs moderate coral bleaching under climate‐related temperature stress

Making Waves: Marine Citizen Science for Impact

Citizen scientists highlight conservation value of a small subtropical reef, Flinders Reef, southeast Queensland, Australia

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