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)

Expected course time about 4 hours

Seahorse Ecology and Monitoring