Training the NEXT generation of marine conservationists
Written by Matt Megill
ImageJ is a free, public domain software with the purpose of processing and analyzing scientific images. Initially developed in 1997 at the National Insititutes of Health in the United States by a developer named Wayne Rasband, it has been under continuous development ever since. Many iterations and variants of the software exist and it can … Continue reading “ImageJ as a Coral Monitoring Tool”
Written by Scott
Coral reefs are facing unprecedented declines worldwide, with a 50% reduction in global coverage since the 1950s. This crisis has amplified the urgency for effective, proactive conservation strategies. Artificial reefs have emerged as a pivotal tool in active reef restoration efforts, providing critical ecosystem services and supporting coral recruitment when designed and managed correctly. This … Continue reading “Artificial Reef Theory & Techniques”
Written by George Bevan
The Ecological Monitoring program is designed to give you an introduction to marine ecology and how to view the oceans scientifically by assessing key biotic and abiotic components. The course teaches you how to use real world scientific sampling and survey techniques and certifies you to conduct your own surveys and report data back to … Continue reading “The Ecological Monitoring Program – Temperate Coasts”
Written by George Bevan
This course is designed to give both whale enthusiasts and conservationists the platform to learn about whale ecology, execute photo-ID research, collate and manage data, understand other research methods and develop the skills to work in a busy whale watching and research station. By increasing awareness and involvement, we can decrease our impact on the … Continue reading “Whale Conservationist”
Written by George Bevan
The Marine Ecology & Monitoring course is a partial fulfilment of the full Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), for those students with either time constraints, those who want to test first whether they have the diving skills required in order to partake in underwater monitoring water or simply those wishing to get a taste of scientific … Continue reading “Marine Ecology & Monitoring”
Written by George Bevan
This course is designed to give experienced divers a deeper understanding of coral reefs, and the potential impacts they face from the many coral predators which live amongst them. The follows lessons will introduce you the theory and practical considerations of monitoring and managing coral predators, while providing divers with the techniques needed to track … Continue reading “Coral Predators Monitoring & Management”
Written by George Bevan
This course is designed to give experienced divers a deeper understanding of coral reefs, and the important roles which giant clams play within them. Through this part of this academic portion of the course, you will learn the theory and practical considerations of monitoring and restoring giant clam populations where necessary. After completing this … Continue reading “Giant Clams Population Monitoring and Management”
Written by George Bevan
This course is designed to give experienced divers a deeper understanding of coral reefs, and the threats they face from the many different diseases they’ve been observed to suffer from. The aim of this e-Learning is to introduce the theory and practical considerations of surveying coral reef sites for disease and health defects. This course … Continue reading “Coral Diseases & Compromised Health Monitoring”
Written by George Bevan
For millions of years, sharks have reigned supreme as apex predators in our oceans, profoundly influencing the marine ecosystem’s evolutionary trajectory. Their unique adaptations and predatory strategies have solidified their place atop the marine food chain, driving the evolution of countless marine species. However, these majestic creatures now face dire threats, with many species on … Continue reading “Shark Ecology & Population Studies”
Written by Scott
Recent studies have found that about 50% of the world’s coral reefs have already been lost, and the other 50% are highly threatened. The long-running philosophy of “protection is always preferred over restoration” is a luxury that no longer applies to most regions. More and more, restoration is necessary to preserve the biodiversity and functionality … Continue reading “Coral Restoration Basics & Theory”
Written by George Bevan
The plight of the sea turtle is in need of active measures in order to restore local populations and bring many species back from the brink of extinction. Such dire circumstances have forced conservationist to look at ways to intervene in the life cycle and reproduction processes of sea turtles in order to help. On … Continue reading “Sea Turtle Hatchery & Head-Starting Programs”
Written by George Bevan
Seagrass meadows are vital coastal ecosystems. They act as erosion control, help to regulate the flow of nutrients and sedimentation onto coral reefs and provide habitats and nurseries for many marine organisms. They also form some of the world’s most important carbon sinks. These meadows are declining at an alarming rate, with global estimates observing … Continue reading “Seagrass Ecology & Monitoring”
Written by Spencer Arnold
As coral reefs across the globe continue to experience startling declines, the calls to protect, preserve, and restore these habitats have never been more critical. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated that global coral coverage has declined 50% since the 1950s, with some regions experiencing even more startling rates of decline. … Continue reading “Artificial Reef Theory & Techniques For Reef Managers”
Written by Scott
Recent studies have found that about 50% of the world’s coral reefs have already been lost, and the other 50% are highly threatened. The long-running philosophy of “protection is always preferred over restoration” is a luxury that no longer applies to most regions. More and more, restoration is necessary to preserve the biodiversity and functionality … Continue reading “Coral Restoration Theory for Instructors & Reef Managers”
Written by Scott
Seahorses are one of the most charismatic and easily recognizable fish in the sea. Today there are 46 living species of seahorses that reside in most of the planet’s tropical and temperate waters. While they may not be a keystone species in the same way that corals or sharks are, they are still ecologically important. … Continue reading “Seahorse Ecology & Monitoring”
Written by Scott
Identifying corals according to taxonomic descriptions (family, genus, and species) is an important part of any advanced coral reef monitoring program, and is also a requirement for most biological or peer-reviewed research studies. Identifying corals to their taxonomic levels can provide important information such as: Not only is identifying corals important, many students also find … Continue reading “Hard Coral Taxonomy & Identification”
Written by George Bevan
This course is designed to give both whale enthusiasts and conservationists the platform to learn about whale ecology, execute photo-ID research, collate and manage data, understand other research methods and develop the skills to work in a busy whale watching and research station. By increasing awareness and involvement, we can decrease our impact on the … Continue reading “Whale Research Assistant”
Written by Scott
In an era where all seven species of sea turtles are tragically on the endangered species list – some with populations diminished by an alarming 98% – the call to arms for divers to protect these ocean ambassadors has never been more critical. Divers form a vital global network in preserving these remarkable species, participating … Continue reading “Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring”
Written by Scott
The Ecological Monitoring program is designed to give you an introduction to coral reef ecology and how to view the reef scientifically by assessing key biotic and abiotic reef components. The course teaches you how to use real world scientific sampling and reef survey techniques and certifies you to conduct your own surveys and report … Continue reading “The Ecological Monitoring Program”
