nadadora79
New
Hi Divers,
Some of you may be familiar with Reef Check California (RCCA). Very briefly, we rely on specially trained volunteer divers from around the state to assist with unbiased scientific data collection of Californias rocky reefs. We then pass along this data to resource managers so they can determine the best methods of managing our ocean resources. (To find out more about our sites or our data, please check out the Reef Check California website - Saving Reefs Worldwide) We have recently announced our 2010 training dates and we are looking for dedicated divers to join the Reef Check team to help us accomplish our ambitious 2010 survey goals.
To date, Reef Check California has trained and certified over 400 volunteer divers comprised of a diverse group of ocean users including recreational divers, commercial urchin fishermen, lifeguards, marine educators, police divers and university students. In 2009 alone, over 145 individual divers completed 74 surveys at 63 sites along Californias coast. In four short years, RCCA divers have recorded over 103,000 fishes and 87,000 algae.
If you are interested in collecting data on our local rocky reefs and getting more out of your dives, this may be the perfect fit for you. Participants will learn about our local ecosystems, will meet like-minded divers and will be able to participate in our regular survey dives which will ultimately help improve marine management by providing much needed data.
2010 Southern California Training dates:
· Los Angeles Training: April 10/11 (classroom and pool) and April 17/18 (boat dives)
· Santa Barbara Training: May 15/16 (classroom and pool) and May 22/23 (boat dives)
· Orange County Training: June 5/6 (classroom and pool) and June 12/13 (boat dives)
· San Diego Training: July 17/18 (classroom and pool) and July 24/25 (boat dives)
To sign up for a training, please check out the Reef Check California Training Schedule on the Reef Check California website. (Cannot post URL here, please email me if you cant locate this page through Google)
The trainings take place over two weekends: The first weekend consists of classroom and pool activities. The second weekend consists of 6 dives over two days. You will become very familiar with many of Californias marine species of fish, invertebrates and seaweed. All training materials (transect, data slate, compass, calipers, manual, field guide flash cards), boat costs and NAUI specialty certification cards are included in the training. Survey dives take place statewide throughout the year, with local dives taking place a few times per month. Prospective divers do need to have over 30 lifetime dives with 15 dives taking place in California or other locations with water temps under 68° F.
If you have any questions about the project or need more details about the training, please dont hesitate to contact me. You can check our website for more information on course specifics, prerequisites and exactly whats included in the training. Also, if youd like to know what its like to be a Reef Check volunteer diver, I can put you in touch with a local volunteer or two and they can tell you about their experiences. I have heard from several volunteers that their diving has never been the same after becoming a Reef Check volunteer!
Thanks again and safe diving,
Laurel Fink
Southern California Volunteer Coordinator
Reef Check California
Some of you may be familiar with Reef Check California (RCCA). Very briefly, we rely on specially trained volunteer divers from around the state to assist with unbiased scientific data collection of Californias rocky reefs. We then pass along this data to resource managers so they can determine the best methods of managing our ocean resources. (To find out more about our sites or our data, please check out the Reef Check California website - Saving Reefs Worldwide) We have recently announced our 2010 training dates and we are looking for dedicated divers to join the Reef Check team to help us accomplish our ambitious 2010 survey goals.
To date, Reef Check California has trained and certified over 400 volunteer divers comprised of a diverse group of ocean users including recreational divers, commercial urchin fishermen, lifeguards, marine educators, police divers and university students. In 2009 alone, over 145 individual divers completed 74 surveys at 63 sites along Californias coast. In four short years, RCCA divers have recorded over 103,000 fishes and 87,000 algae.
If you are interested in collecting data on our local rocky reefs and getting more out of your dives, this may be the perfect fit for you. Participants will learn about our local ecosystems, will meet like-minded divers and will be able to participate in our regular survey dives which will ultimately help improve marine management by providing much needed data.
2010 Southern California Training dates:
· Los Angeles Training: April 10/11 (classroom and pool) and April 17/18 (boat dives)
· Santa Barbara Training: May 15/16 (classroom and pool) and May 22/23 (boat dives)
· Orange County Training: June 5/6 (classroom and pool) and June 12/13 (boat dives)
· San Diego Training: July 17/18 (classroom and pool) and July 24/25 (boat dives)
To sign up for a training, please check out the Reef Check California Training Schedule on the Reef Check California website. (Cannot post URL here, please email me if you cant locate this page through Google)
The trainings take place over two weekends: The first weekend consists of classroom and pool activities. The second weekend consists of 6 dives over two days. You will become very familiar with many of Californias marine species of fish, invertebrates and seaweed. All training materials (transect, data slate, compass, calipers, manual, field guide flash cards), boat costs and NAUI specialty certification cards are included in the training. Survey dives take place statewide throughout the year, with local dives taking place a few times per month. Prospective divers do need to have over 30 lifetime dives with 15 dives taking place in California or other locations with water temps under 68° F.
If you have any questions about the project or need more details about the training, please dont hesitate to contact me. You can check our website for more information on course specifics, prerequisites and exactly whats included in the training. Also, if youd like to know what its like to be a Reef Check volunteer diver, I can put you in touch with a local volunteer or two and they can tell you about their experiences. I have heard from several volunteers that their diving has never been the same after becoming a Reef Check volunteer!
Thanks again and safe diving,
Laurel Fink
Southern California Volunteer Coordinator
Reef Check California
