Buddy teams are allowed to move freely and search as they wish, but are not allowed to turn over rocks for environmental reasons. Dive time, depth, temperature and other environmental information is recorded. Data sheets are submitted, optically scanned at the University of Miami, and then stored in a data base supported by the Nature Conservancy. Data analyses primarily is based on frequency of observation using large numbers of dives. An indirect benefit of the program is that divers develop a greatly increased knowledge of the marine environment.
Divers quickly learn where and what habitats are used by specific species.
Trained observers are useful for alerting scientists and managers to problems or unusual changes that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as outbreaks algae or disease, and changes in abundance. Currently over 5,000 divers have enrolled in REEF and over 2,000 data sheets have been submitted in the first full year of the program. The advantages of the method are its simplicity and avid enthusiasm by divers. Disadvantages are the high variability in searches and differences in skill levels among divers, although data can be edited based on diver experience and other performance criteria. Data collected probably offer less interpretation problems than typical fishery data bases that rely on voluntary and involuntary reporting by fishers.