Coral Reef Ecology & Monitoring
The Coral Reef Ecology & Monitoring Course is a partial fulfilment of the full Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), for students who do not have time to complete all 5 lectures and 4 dives of the EMP. It is designed to give students an introduction to coral reef ecology and how to view the reef scientifically by assessing key biotic and abiotic reef components. The course teaches students how to use real world scientific sampling and reef survey techniques and certifies them to conduct their own surveys and report data back to the online database. Students receiving this certification are welcome to return at a later date and complete the full EMP course.
Deepen your understanding of coral reef ecology and the challenges they face in their natural habitat.
Familiarize yourself with a variety of survey methods used by reef managers to monitor coral reef ecosystems.
Acquire the skills and diagnostic features needed to identify coral reef invertebrates along a permanent transect line.
Master the techniques for identifying coral reef fishes and other vertebrates along a permanent transect line.
Program Eligibility and Requirements
To join the Coral Reef Ecology & Monitoring Program, participants need to meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 12 years of age or older.
- Diver Certification: Applicants should hold certification as an Advanced diver from a recognized diving organization such as PADI, SSI, RAID, or similar. Alternatively, Open Water divers can be eligible if they have successfully completed a buoyancy appraisal under the guidance of a professional diver.
- Diving Proficiency: Applicants need to showcase advanced diving skills, including excellent buoyancy control and self-awareness.
Upon Enrollment in the Course, participants will be required to:
- Attend the Intro to Marine Ecology Lecture
- Perform at least one of the three survey lectures:
- Coral Reef Invertebrates
- Fish
- Substrate
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