The bay we are working to protect

Ecological Monitoring Program 4-day Course

This 4-day ecological monitoring program combines theoretical knowledge, practical training, and hands-on ecological monitoring, empowering participants to become certified ecological divers capable of contributing to marine conservation efforts worldwide.

A group of smiling ecological monitoring program participants on a boat, posing playfully with a Hawaiian coastal landscape in the background.
A marine biology intern in Hawaii recording coral reef data during underwater ecological monitoring activities.
A scuba diver conducting an underwater ecological survey, recording observations on a data slate near a coral reef.
A coral reef with a transect line laid out for our ecological monitoring program, showing diverse coral structures under clear ocean waters.

Learning Objectives in the Ecological Monitoring Program:

Buoyancy and Navigation Dive Training:

  • In-depth training on buoyancy control underwater.
  • Navigation techniques for precision diving.

Ecological Monitoring Program Classroom Sessions:

  • Day 1: Coral Reef Ecology and Monitoring:
    • Understanding the fundamentals of coral reef ecosystems.
    • Introduction to monitoring techniques.
  • Day 2: Invertebrate Abundance and Population Management:
    • Identification of marine invertebrates and their role.
    • Strategies for managing invertebrate populations.
  • Day 3: Fish and Chordate Diversity:
    • Identification of common fish species in Hawai’i.
    • Importance of fish in ecological balance.
  • Day 4: Substrate Composition:
    • Exploration of the ocean floor and understanding substrate types.
    • Significance of substrate composition in marine ecology.
    • Photogrammetry Module:
      • Learn to use photogrammetry to create high-resolution 3D models of reef substrates.
      • Understand how these models are used to map coral growth forms, assess reef changes over time, and track restoration progress.

Ecological Survey Training:

  • Ecological Insights:
    • Understand coral reef ecology and the challenges they face.
  • Effective Monitoring Techniques
    • Learn various survey methods used by reef managers to monitor coral reef ecosystems.
  • Invertebrate and Vertebrate Monitoring Techniques:
    • Develop skills to identify coral reef invertebrates and vertebrates along permanent transect lines, focusing on diagnostic features.
  • Substrate Assessment and Health Evaluation:
    • Learn to assess substrate types, hard coral coverage/growth forms, and coral health, including bleaching.

Full 4-Day Syllabus of the Ecological Monitoring Program:

Morning Classroom Sessions:

  • Overview of the day’s ecological topic.
  • Theory and techniques for effective ecological monitoring.

Afternoon Dives:

  • Dive training tailored to the day’s focus (buoyancy, navigation, etc.).
  • Application of classroom knowledge in real-world diving scenarios.

Post-Dive Data Collection:

  • Collation of data gathered during the dive.
  • Guidance on data recording and documentation.

Certification Process:

  • Overview of the Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Certification.
  • Practical and written assessments to demonstrate understanding.
  • Awarding of the globally recognized certification.

The Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Program Certification goes beyond traditional dive training, empowering individuals to actively participate in marine conservation efforts. Graduates of this program become part of a global network of certified ecological divers, making a positive impact on marine ecosystems worldwide.

Includes:

  • Conservation Diver Ecological Monitoring Program Certification
  • 8 dives (gear included)
  • PADI Advanced Open Water (Add-on)

Cost: $895 per person

Are you a resident of Hawai’i with a valid Hawai’i ID? Check out our Kama’aina Programs!