NAUI Advanced Scuba Diver
66 Conservation and Aquatic Life Studies
By having several teams of divers make parallel transect
counts in an area, and by knowing the dimensions of the
area being covered, fairly accurate estimates of population
size can be made.
It is important that all surveys be performed by
buddy teams of divers (figure 6-5). Solo diving is not
permitted for obvious safety reasons. Also, teams of
divers increase the opportunities for sightings of the
plant or animal being sought. For better accuracy, it is
usually a good idea for each diver to count separately
and for either the higher number or an average of the
two counts to be used.
In addition to density studies, data recording is
also important. You may want to record the depth, temperature,
bottom composition, and other information
whenever you find an animal. It is also useful to note
any special relationships the animal may have with other
animals, any unusual behavior, and distinctive characteristics.
It is fun to try to determine what role the animal
plays in the overall environment. The more you learn
about an animal, the more interesting it becomes. By
recording information for later reference, you will learn
more and get more enjoyment from your diving.
Some activities, such as comparison studies and tagging
projects, are beyond the scope of recreational diving,
but you can imagine the challenges and rewards possible
when such undertakings are successful. Your experience
in learning a little about biological studies may provide
you with an opportunity to participate as a volunteer
diver in a local environmental study. Additional training
will increase your capabilities and your opportunities.
OVERVIEW OF A TYPICAL
INTRODUCTORY DIVE
As is usually the case in the Advanced Scuba Diver
course, your instructor will provide you with information
on the dive and you will need to prepare a dive plan.
You will probably meet at the dive site and receive an
orientation to the area and a briefing on the dive activity.
Your study may consist of finding and identifying a list of
plants and animals common to the area, or you may be
asked to conduct a survey of an area for one particular
species. Collecting is usually discouraged in order to conserve
aquatic life.
Post-dive activities include a review of the dive
objective and the procedures used, a compilation and
examination of the data collected, a discussion of any
problems experienced during the dive, suggestions from
your instructor, and logging of the dive. Aquatic study
is frequently one of the most enjoyable dives in the
Advanced Scuba Diver Course. You can learn more about
this area of diving in your NAUI Underwater Naturalist
course.