Ecological Monitoring Program

The Ecological Monitoring program 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. Parameters assessed include fish and invertebrate abundance and biodiversity, substrate cover, coral taxonomy, coral diseases, coral bleaching, and more. This course is a prerequisite for many of the other courses offered by Conservation Diver

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

Understand more about coral reef ecology and threats to coral reefs
Understand various survey techniques used by reef managers to monitor coral reef ecosystems
Learn the techniques and diagnostic features for identifying coral reef invertebrates along a permanent transect line
Learn the techniques and diagnostic features for identifying coral reef fishes and other vertebrates along a permanent transect line
Learn how to assess substrate types and hard coral coverage/growth forms using the point-intercept technique
Learn how to assess coral health and bleaching
Perform EMP surveys in several different areas and input the data into the database
Complete all 3 course exams

Requirements

Attend all knowledge development presentations
Complete the e-Learning or read and complete chapter reviews for chapters 1-8 in the EMP manual
Enter records into database
Perform all three surveys (invert., fish, and substrate) at least once
Perform a ‘full EMP’ at least once
Enter data onto data sheets or into the online database

Expected course time about 20 hours, minimum of 4 dives

Certification Card

Training Centers

Related Resources

Note: This course has an accompanying textbook what come in a printed and electronic version available for purchase – Ecological Monitoring Program Manual