Bridging the Data Gap: A Standardized Framework for Monitoring Coral Reefs in Remote Locations via the Recreational Cruising Fleet

Abstract

Remote coral reef ecosystems face increasing threats from climate change and anthropogenic pressures, yet comprehensive monitoring remains logistically and financially challenging in isolated regions. This paper presents a standardized framework to bridge this data gap by mobilizing the global recreational cruising fleet as citizen scientists. We describe a low-cost, accessible methodology utilizing widely available action cameras and GPS units to capture continuous video transects without requiring specialized taxonomic training. The collected data is aggregated onto a freely accessible, open-source web platform that integrates high-resolution video with precise geospatial tracking. This system enables remote analysis by experts and machine learning algorithms, facilitating the monitoring of benthic cover, reef health, and bleaching events in areas previously inaccessible to regular scientific survey. By validating a decentralized model for data collection, this framework offers a scalable solution for global reef monitoring while fostering environmental stewardship within the maritime community.