Coral reefs are called the ‘rainforests of the sea’.  These living structures harbor thousands of species of interdependent marine organisms.  Coral reefs are also the largest living structures visible from outer space, and they have been around for over a hundred million years. Not only are coral reefs an endless source of fascination, their existence is a necessity for both humans and marine organisms alike. 350 million people rely on them for food and survival. 25 percent of all the fish species in the world call the coral reefs their home. And the antiviral and antibacterial drugs that could save you are based on chemicals extracted from reef organisms.
Today, these underwater wonders face an unprecedented crisis that has resulted in a coral reef loss of over 15 percent worldwide due to overfishing, global warming, blast and poison fishing.  The recent oil spill in Guimaras also underlines the need to protect these underwater treasures.  If nothing is done, an additional 30 percent will remain in a severely threatened state.
This is where Reef Check comes in. Established in 1997, Reef Check is the world’s biggest non-government organization concerned with managing and preserving coral reef systems. It is the United Nations’ official community-based reef monitoring program, with Leonardo di Caprio as its international spokesperson. Reef Check already has presence in over 80 countries.
Reef Check Philippines has an especially crucial job – the country sits at the global center of coral reef biodiversity, and is one of the world’s best dive destinations. It is also tagged as having 70 percent damaged or destroyed coral reefs and a biodiversity hotspot.  
Reef Check Philippines holds events, courses, programs and activities that aim to teach the public about the value of coral reefs, the threats their health and solutions to the reefs’ existing problems. The organization works with business sectors such as tourism and diving industries to raise funds and increase awareness.
As its first major project, Reef Check Philippines will be holding a fund-raising photo and film exhibit entitled Visions of the Reef at the Rockwell Loft on September 15, 2006. The event aims to raise funds for Reef Check activities such as training fishermen to monitor the reefs in their areas, organizing surveys of the numerous reefs in the Philippines, facilitating the establishment of marine protected areas and conducting an awareness campaign about the extraordinary beauty of our coral reefs and the need to protect them.

‘Visions of the Reef’  will feature the stunning work of award-winning underwater photographer Gutsy Tuason and the beautiful footages of cinematographers Marissa Floirendo and Carina Escudero. There will also be musical performances by  Ballet Philippines, Cynthia Alexander and Pinikpikan. Guest speaker is Mr. Federico Lopez, President of First Gen and will be hosted by Paolo Abrera and Angel Aquino. Presentors for this event include First Gen, Studio 23, Conservation International, DHL, Jewelmer, Aquamundo, First Philippine Conservation Inc., Newsbreak, Hewlett Packard, Manila Bulletin, The Radio Partners Inc., and Campaigns Social Response. Other sponsors are Sea Air, TechnoMarine, Tris-Star, Direct Aquatic, Cuervo, CPKelco, Davao Pearl Farm Resort, El Nido Resorts, Solana Bezo Resort, Alegre Beach Resort, Ocean Adventure, Captn Gregg’s Resort, Taal Lake Yatch Club, Oceana Resort and Garden Spa.
Come to the event and get a chance to win trips to world-famous Tubbataha Reef, Davao Pearl Farm and more exciting prizes!!! For inquiries and ticket reservation, please call 813-1308 / 893-7252 or text 0906-5025304 or (32) 345-3813 for Cebu Office. For more information about Reef Check visit www.reefcheck.org.

Eleven 3rd year Marine Biology Students from CVSCAFT while on the job training in the DA-BFAR 7 Joined us for a few days to learn the Reef Check protocol. Basic protocol was taught, while using snorkel within the marine sanctuary last May 3-5, 2005 at Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary, Cordova, Cebu.

Capitancillo Island is an isolated island located northeast of Cebu province which belongs to the Municipality of Bogo. It is where one of the oldest lighthouses is located. Half of the island’s reef facing north has been declared a marine reserve. As part of the LGUs program in coastal ecotourism they requested Terence Dacles, a private marine consultant, lead the coral reef monitoring in Capitancillo. Reef Check in partnership with Mr. Terence Dacles sent survey teams coming from Sagay City, Negros Occidental conducted reef check survey in Capitancillo on the 18th to 21st of April 2005.

Reef Check has been preparing a series of training manuals for both adults and children. The Captain Coral Reef Check Eco-Adventure Training Manual, a material being developed for kids, was tested during the Danjugan Marine and Wildlife Camp last May 11-14, 2005. Children with ages between 9 – 12 evaluated the manual. Majority of the kids like the idea and activities incurred in the kit but they suggested to change the lead character ‘Capt. Coral’ to someone with a stronger character.

 One of the top five star hotels and resorts in Cebu, the Alegre Beach Resort, welcomed Reef Check in October 23 to 24, 2004. The resort’s housereef is one of their major tourist attraction, and the management is committed to having their personnel trained in Reef Check. Marine Biologist Geraldine Sola, the resorts marine consultant and volunteer regional coordinator of Reef Check in the Philippines trained during the Southeast Asian Reef Check Trainers Training, assisted in the conduct the reef monitoring training to the sports and security personnel of the resort. Most of the 16 participants trained in Reef Check were recreational divers under the supervision of Marcelino Cruz III of Aqua Sports. The survey continued on December 18, 2004. Most of the indicator fish species were present and with a mean hard coral cover of 58% (click here to view full report *.pdf). One of the outputs of the survey was the recognition of an outbreak of Crown-of-thorns starfish the staff then planned out their activities towards conducting a series of crown-of-thorns collection activities.

Students of Dr. Licuanan from La Salle University under his short marine biology course were trained on how to survey coral reef health last October 15-18, 2004 using the Reef Check Monitoring Protocol. Reef Check training was conducted at La Salle University, Shields Marine Station, Lian, Batangas. Trainees were composed of mixed professionals from film and television media, architecture, law enforcement and science. Dr. Hodgson got the chance to meet the group during the training. Actual survey was conducted twice in Talim Bay, which is still part of Lian, Batangas. The training was fun and the trainees all agreed to conduct future Reef Check activities and work towards finding ways to do their upmost to conserve Philippine reefs.