Ecological Monitoring Program Part 2

Take your ecological monitoring skills to the next level with the second half of our Ecological Monitoring Program. This session is designed for participants who have completed Part 1 and are ready to explore advanced techniques for reef monitoring and conservation. Over two days, participants will engage in hands-on training to develop expertise in conducting fish diversity surveys and applying 3D modeling techniques (photogrammetry) for substrate composition assessments.

The program begins with a focus on fish diversity surveys, where participants will learn to identify key fish species and understand their ecological roles within coral reef ecosystems. By conducting these surveys, you’ll gather important data that contributes to understanding reef health and fish population dynamics. These skills are critical for supporting conservation planning and restoration efforts.

Building on this foundation, the program transitions to advanced photogrammetry techniques. Participants will learn how to capture high-resolution underwater imagery and use specialized software to create detailed 3D models of reef substrates. These models are essential tools for assessing substrate composition, detecting changes in reef structures, and informing restoration projects.

Since this is the second part of the program, participation requires that you have already completed Part 1, which spans two days and is usually offered the weekend prior. If you are looking to get involved, you must have either already completed Part 1 or sign up for the weekend prior to qualify for this session. As such, the calendar will only have a bookable spot for the weekend prior, corresponding to Part 1, even though Part 2 takes place on the date listed above. Be sure to secure your spot in Part 1 to continue to Part 2.

Each day of Part 2 includes two dives, providing ample opportunity to practice these advanced skills in a real-world environment while contributing to ongoing reef conservation efforts. Join us for this impactful and skill-enhancing program to become a key player in protecting Hawai‘i’s coral reef ecosystems!