DWP CARES is a citizen science-based initiative that teaches recreational divers the importance of the delicately balanced ecosystem that is the coral reefs and the effect of human impact on that ecosystem.  We train participants to identify and document the indicators of a healthy coral reef through reef monitoring.  Our participants are conducting surveys of reef fish, invertebrates and substrates over 5 years to assess the change in the ecosystem over time.

The world’s oceans are responsible for cooling the planet and generating more than 75% of the world’s oxygen production.  The oceans house coral reef ecosystems that represent less than 1% of the ocean floor.  The coral reef ecosystem is a delicately balanced ecosystem that encompasses reef fish, invertebrates and corals.   It houses 25% of all fish species; it provides nurseries for fish to grow, and houses hard corals that provide coastal protection from storm surge.