While paddling we easily observe the natural environment above water but life below is often less clear. We know it’s an amazing world of immense bio-diversity that constantly surprises us with new discoveries. But it’s not just scientists doing the research – citizen science is making a huge contribution too. Reef Life Survey (RLS) is a non-profit citizen science program based in Hobart and we asked Toni Cooper to explain how volunteers are helping expand our marine knowledge.
1. How did Reef Life Survey (RLS) being?
The RLS program began in 2007, with Reef Life Survey Foundation (not-for-profit Australian organisation) established in 2011. The aim, and successful outcome, was to show that engaged volunteer divers could be trained to collect species-level information at a high, scientific standard. Eleven years later, we have over 13,000 surveys from 53 countries around the world, including Antarctica!
2. What happens to the data and can we see it?
Rigorously quality controlled RLS data goes into an IMAS database where it’s freely available and used by other scientists, informs decision makers on the changes occurring in our marine environment, builds greater public knowledge and provides resources like the Reef Species of the World database for marine enthusiasts. Here, users can filter and search for over 5000 fish and macro-mobile invertebrate species from around the world.
More recently, two Reef Life Survey indicators have been formally accepted by the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership for reporting on global biodiversity targets. This has been exceptional (and humbling) recognition of the quality and quantity of the data collected by RLS divers and international partners and its relevance to international policies and agreements.
3. What’s the most remarkable thing(s) that’s been discovered?
In 2018, RLS divers discovered a new population of arguably the world’s rarest fish, the Red handfish (Thymichthys politus) in Tasmanian waters! For nearly 10 years, RLS divers have been monitoring the red handfish at key historical locations, and it was thought there may be just 20 left. This discovery gives hope there may be other undiscovered populations and importantly it facilitated crucial scientific research into the species for conservation and protection.
4. Does the RLS cover the Southwest and Flinders?
Yes! Although RLS HQ is in Hobart, ironically much of our survey effort has had a heavy focus on other locations around Australia, mainly due to Tasmania already having an IMAS-supported, long-term monitoring program. Our divers have still been lucky enough to survey some of Tasmania’s finest coastlines, including our very first RLS training expedition on Flinders Island, the unique and remote Port Davey/Bathurst Harbour region and Rocky Cape on the State’s northwest coast. (See https://reeflifesurvey.com/species/search.php for locations)
5. How do volunteer divers (and others) get involved?
Due to the efforts and costs required, both from divers and trainers, we only train up the keenest and most dedicated of the recreational dive community when possible. The eligibility requirements are around dive experience to ensure diver safety, not usually an issue for most marine underwater enthusiasts!
Even if you’re not a diver, there are many other ways you could help the RLS see https://reeflifesurvey.com/how-to/