The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) is one of the few global sources of quantitative data on the status and trends of coral reef systems globally, providing an information source to global observation networks (e.g. GOOS) and policy-relevant indicators. A vital component of the GCRMN structure is the formation of regional nodes that serve as an intermediary between local data providers and the broader global network. In addition to the aggregation, standardising and reporting of individual country data within a GCRMN region, the regional nodes also play a key role in training and capacity building for local data providers (GCRMN Governance & Implementation Plan 2019).