Undertaking REEF Fish Surveys

by | Nov 20, 2015 | conservation, Costa Rica scuba diving, Divemaster Internship, Eco Warrior Internship, Fish survey, Internship, News, PADI Scuba Instructor internship, REEF survey, Scientific Diving, Scuba Diving, Volunteer

Every week Oceans Unlimited interns will be conducting REEF fish surveys!reef survey

How does someone conduct a REEF survey?

  • Using the Roving Diver Technique (RDT)
    • Divers swim freely throughout a dive site and record every observed fish species that can be positively identified
    • Species and approximate abundance of the species is recorded on a slate
  • Record every species seen
    • Brush up on your knowledge of fish species in your area (REEF.org)
    • If you do not know the species write a description of the fish’s physical appearance to look it up after
    • Use an underwater slate  to record species
      • An example of a fish slate that makes recording easy:REEF fish slate
    • Record the abundance of each fish species by numerical values of:
      • Single (S)
      • Few (F) 2-10 sightings
      • Many (M) 11-100 sightings
      • Abundant (A) over 100 sightings
  • Once you have all the data submit it online!

So who can complete these REEF surveys? 

  • All new REEF members
  • There are two levels of REEF surveyors
    • Novice and Expert
    • There are tests that can be taken online and in person to qualify for an expert level surveyor (go to reef.org)
  • REEF project areas are shown below:

 

Unknown

 

What is the significance of recording this data

  • Many scientist have used the REEF studies to conduct scientific experiments and publish their findings
  • REEF data has been used for scientific reports including:
    • Fisheries research
    • Ecological applications
    • Evolutionary applications
    • Coral reef studies
    • Conservation studies
  • Check out these publications which have all included REEF data

You can also come dive with Oceans Unlimited Costa Rica and conduct a fish survey weekly!

  • Doing reef surveys will change your diving experience completely
    • Find fish that you never seemed to notice!
    • Learn the impact that the different fish have on the coral reef system!
    • Get excited about spotting certain species that sustain the reefs!
    • Become a scientist!
    • Enjoy diving while making a difference!

Be sure to check out our Go Pro Website every week to check out our findings!

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