Preparing to survey

Once we'd been given a quick briefing on the local dangerous marine creatures, it was time to get started with Science Week. For this we had to learn the names of & be able to identify the various species of fish, algae, coral & invertebrates associated with Caribbean coral reefs. In total we had to learn around 200 fish, 180 invertebrates, 60 corals & 60 species of algae. This was the thing I'd been most worried about when applying for the expedition i.e. that I'd spend 8 weeks at the lodge without being allowed to carry out any surveys as a result of failing to pass my tests! However, I needn't have worried :o)  With the help of some of the older vols, I eventually passed all of the tests both above & below the water:

• Species identification using pictures &/or samples
• In-water spots - recording every species pointed out to us by a 'qualified' volunteer
• In-water benthic lines - recording every species present within a 10m x 5m transect (the same area used in a 'real' survey)
• In-water fish validation - recording the numbers & species of fish seen over a period of 15 minutes

Next we were all taught how to conduct a survey. Each survey is conducted over a 10m x 5m transect by a team of 4 divers... Diver 1, "physical", had overall responsibility for the safety & welfare of the dive team, & also had to map the area & take readings such as depth, temperature & current; Diver 2, "fish", had to record the numbers of different species of fish present within the transect area; Diver 3, "coral", noted the type & quantity of corals; Diver 4, "algae & inverts", recorded the type & quantity of these species within the area. The quantities of corals & algae present in each transect were estimated using the DAFOR technique i.e. dominant, abundant, frequent, occasional or rare.

We took part in a number of trial surveys, before being let out to do any 'real' ones. It took a while to get used to diving in a head-down/feet-up position (in order to avoid contact with the fragile reef), whilst recording all necessary information on our underwater slates & avoiding the other divers in the team. Although I found the surveying a bit stressful to begin with, before too long I started to really enjoy it - every survey feeling a little like a treasure hunt!

Once we'd mastered in-water surveying, it was time to master radio & boat marshalling. Every time a dive boat went out there had to be one person manning the radio in the lodge, & one person organising the divers & manning the radio on the boat. It was the boat marshall's responsibility to provide the lodge with a pre-departure radio check, an on-site radio check, a divers down report, a divers up report & a back at the pier call. Sometimes we had real problems getting the radios to work & on occasion had to recall divers as a result of losing contact with the lodge (not great when diving in such remote areas, when diver safety is paramount).