March 4, 2006
Reef Check California Update
I recently asked Craig Shuman, Director of the Reef Check California Program, to submit something to BPD about what's happening with this new program. I've participated in some of the "beta-testing" of the protocol, and have been impressed by how much thought has gone into developing a new program for recreational divers that will yield rich data for scientists. This program demands a lot more from its participants than some other recreational diver surveys, and it will be interesting to see how the program shapes up over the coming years. I truly wish Craig the best of luck with it, because he has clearly devoted a lot of time, thought, and heart to its success. Help support the rocky reefs of California by signing up for some training.
He recently sent me this note, along with a couple photos (copyright Nick Fash, Courtesy FASHPIX.com) from an Anacapa survey.
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Our new California rocky reef monitoring program is out of the gates and off to a great start. Thanks to the help of our scientific review team and dedicated volunteers, the California survey methodology and species lists have been reviewed and field tested at several locations throughout the central coast. To date, we have been in the water with experts from the California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Monica Baykeeper, UCLA, UCSB, and UCSC. We have also conducted three orientations in Monterey to introduce local divers to the program. These activities have provided us with valuable feedback to help ensure our scientific and educational objectives are met.
There is still limited space available in the July San Luis Obispo and August, Monterey trainings. Visit our website today to download the protocol and sign up for a training before they fill up! See Reef Check California
Posted by Dida at March 4, 2006 4:57 PM
Comments
I just got back from spending the weekend (end of April, 2006) at the Channel Islands completing the first every REEF CHECK CA training with Craig Schuman, Chris Knight, and a great group of assistants and enthusiastic new volunteers.
Keep watching their site for new training dates, and become part of a revolutionary effort to use highly trained volunteers to fill in the knowledge gaps the government can't fill.
Posted by: Dida at May 2, 2006 2:57 PM
