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Sara Lagan, Sub-editor/Writer
Wednesday, June 18, 2014 7:40 AM

Reef Watch participants count the corals. *File photo

Islanders are being invited to become citizen scientists while helping to protect Bermuda’s reef system at the second annual Reef Watch event.

The Bermuda Zoological Society, with the support of lead sponsor Hiscox, will host the underwater reef mapping event and fundraiser on Saturday, June 28.

Led by scientist Thad Murdoch, Reef Watch is a community environmental monitoring project that examines the health of Bermuda’s coral reef systems.

Each participant is given the necessary training to learn how to survey reefs, taking into account fish stocks and coral coverage. The data they collect on the day will then be collated and used in the ongoing assessment of the state of Bermuda’s reef system. Participants are expected to work together in teams of four during the event.

In addition to the data collected, participants have the opportunity to help raise funds for the ongoing protection and conservation of Bermuda’s coral reefs. Last year, more than $21,000 was raised through the event.

Each team is encouraged to raise at least $500 in pledges from family and friends, and through corporate matching. 

There will be prizes including a grand prize for the team that raises the most on the day.

One of the few healthy coral reef systems remaining worldwide, Bermuda’s reefs are fragile and need our help. REEF Watch provides snorkelers with the necessary skills to gather valuable information, which contributes to a growing body of information being used to better manage our coral reefs.

To register your team/boat go to crowdrise.com/reefwatch. Set up a team by clicking on ‘Set up your fundraiser’. Invite people to support your team by clicking on’Donate to a fundraiser’ (registration pledge forms can also be downloaded from bzs.bm) For more information e-mail development.bzs@gov.bm