April 2015 - Conservation Diver

Giant Clam Nurseries and Population Studies

Giant Clams are important regulators of the oligotrophic conditions that coral reefs need the thrive. They are
able to filter on average 1000 litres of water per day which controls the water quality and nutrient levels in the ecosystem. This reduction in nutrients by filter feeders allow corals to thrive.
During this course students will be introduce to different
survey techniques to monitor giant clams and be taught the
key processes to evaluate and recognise different species.
We will also demonstrate the steps required to manage giant
clam nurseries and the on-going maintenance and data
collection to be done following transplanting.

Prerequisites

Be 12 years of age or older
Be certified as an Advanced diver under a leading diving organization (PADI, SSI, RAID, etc) or an Open Water diver who has satisfactorily completed a buoyancy appraisal with a professional diver
Demonstrate proper diving ability at an advanced Level and be proficient in buoyancy and self-awareness.
Be certified in our Ecological Monitoring Program

Standards

Understand the importance, ecology, and threats to giant clam populations locally and around the globe
Be able to identify anatomical features of giant clams in order to perform species recognition
Learn techniques to survey and monitor local giant clam populations
Learn techniques involving the use and maintenance of in-sea giant clam nurseries

Requirements

Attend 1 Giant Clam Lecture
Perform 1 survey dive specifically taking data on Giant Clam Abundance/Density, Diversity, and size distribution
Take data on giant clam growth and mortality at the in-sea nurseries
Perform general maintenance duties during 1 dive at the giant clam nurseries
Complete the final quiz
Enter data into Conservation Diver database

Expected course time about 8 hours

Certification Card

Training Centers

by Chad Scott

Seahorse Ecology and Monitoring

The Seahorse ecology and monitoring course aims bridge the information gap in the scientific community on classification, population dynamics and conservation status of Syngnathiformes. This lack of information is one of the limiting factors in creating effective conservation strategies to protect these vulnerable species. To successfully create adequate
conservation plans for seahorses, we need to understand their
life history traits and ecology. This course will equip you with the skills to identify seahorse species using anatomical features and behavioural ecology traits.

Prerequisites

Be 12 years of age or older
Be certified as an Advanced diver under a leading diving organization (PADI, SSI, RAID, etc) or an Open Water diver who has satisfactorily completed a buoyancy appraisal with a professional diver
Demonstrate proper diving ability at an advanced Level and be proficient in buoyancy and self-awareness.

Standards

Learn about seahorse ecology and identification and understand the global and local threats to seahorse populations
Learn the diagnostic features for identifying seahorses and be able to identify the most common local species of seahorses
Know how to survey for seahorses using the roving diver and transect survey methods
Practice a seahorse survey completing at least two of the main tasks (surveying along the line, controlling the GPS raft, keeping track of dive activity timing)
Be familiar with the iSeahorse.org website and how to enter sightings data into the global database

Requirements

Attend 1 seahorse lecture
Attend 1 seahorse dive briefing
Complete ID quiz using dichotomous key and seahorse photos
Complete 1 seahorse survey dives (in 2 different roles)
Enter GPS data into Google Earth
Enter sightings and data into the iSeahorse.org and other relevant databases (if seahorse was observed)