Environmental Organizations
Coral Cay Conservation began as a small group of diving enthusiasts who in 1986, decided to mount an expedition to undertake baseline surveys of the Belize barrier reef. Since then, more than 1,000 volunteers have joined CCC expeditions. Their efforts have resulted in the designation of seven ‘Marine Protected Areas’ in the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific.
CORAL: The Coral Reef Alliance is an independent, non-profit membership organization that works to address the worldwide problem of coral reef destruction. We focus on educating divers and the general public about the problems facing coral reefs, and also provide funding and technical support for coral reef conservation around the world. Wherever you see CORAL’s logo – the green dive flag – you know that CORAL and the dive community are working together to keep coral reefs alive.
The Cousteau Society is a nonprofit, membership-supported organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of the quality of life for present and future generations. Founded in 1973 by Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the Society now has more than 150,000 members worldwide. The Society believes that only an informed and alerted public can best make the decisions necessary to protect and manage the world’s natural resources.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority provides for the protection, wise use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef in perpetuity through the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Their site includes an article called Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by Dr. Ian McPhail; info about the GBRMPA’s consulting and advisory services, information services and publications; other information.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) its mission is to promote global environmental stewardship in order to conserve and wisely manage the marine and coastal resources of the United States. It describes, monitors, and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment in order to ensure and enhance sustainable economic opportunities.
Ocean Planet an exhibition at at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C., is the culmination of a four-year effort to study and understand environmental issues affecting the health of the world’s oceans, Ocean Planet employs cutting-edge technology, compelling objects and photos, enticing text and walk-through environments to promote celebration, understanding and conservation of the world’s oceans.
ReefBase, a Global Database on Coral Reefs and Their Resources is the official database of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. ReefBase, which has been endorsed by 80 countries, is designed to facilitate the management of coral reefs of the world by providing data to a wide range of users. ReefBase includes information on more than 7,000 coral reefs, including maps, photographs and data. It has information on tourist diving for more than 1,500 reefs.
Reef Check was founded in 1997 by Dr. Gregor Hodgson to answer the question: “What is the health of the world’s reefs?” To do this on a global scale, a simple, rapid monitoring program was designed that relies on volunteers, trained and led by marine scientists. The goal was to train volunteers to collect scientifically valid data on reef health, but the result was more far reaching. By taking part in Reef Check surveys, divers, businessmen and fishermen alike develop a strong desire to take better care of reefs. The SMMA is a proud partner of Reef Check.
Reef Relief is an action-oriented non-profit membership organization based in Key West, Florida, dedicated to preserving and protecting the living coral reef of the Florida Keys. Among their many goals and activities, Reef Relief supports education and reef management programs essential to the continued vitality of this spectacular and biologically diverse marine ecosystem.
The World Conservation Monitoring Centre, based in Cambridge, England, has had considerable involvement in coral reef monitoring, notably in the production of the three-volume Coral Reefs of the World. Current work on coral reefs is directed towards the building of a global digital dataset, mapping these important ecosystems. When combined with the data covering mangrove areas, this provides an invaluable base for any broader coastal sensitivity mapping for the tropics.
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