CANCELED: Learn to Survey Young of Year Rockfish Dive

YOUNG OF YEAR ROCKFISH SURVEY DIVE

Objective: Following the survey framework provided by Paua Marine Research Group (PMRG), you’ll learn how to collect survey data used by NOAA to help conserve our beloved young of year (YOY) rockfish and practice in the field. Pack a lunch and we can practice entering in the survey data at the park afterwards if interested. No prior surveying experience required.

Complete the homework assignments listed at the bottom of this description prior to the dive.

Dive site: Saltwater State Park

Meet Time: 9 AM meet with 10 AM splash

Rental Gear: rental gear will be limited. If you need to rent gear, call the shop to see what's available.

Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, shelters, shower and free parking (need a Discover Pass).

Experience level: Advanced open water certification. We’re adding on additional surveying tasks to your dive and depths will exceed the OW certification limit. You should be comfortable diving, navigating, and controlling buoyancy so you can focus on finding our little buds! No prior surveying experience needed.

Special gear: Discover Pass, dive slate provided if you haven't already been given one (BYO tether and u/w pencil), flashlight (two is best practice), and camera if you have one. Bring your laptop if you’d like to practice entering your survey data after the dive.

Hazards: potentially low viz, task loading, potential current, boat traffic

Max depth: ~80’

How to find Bill (dive lead): Bill will be in a grey Chevy Bolt

Homework: Prior to our dive, please complete the following:

1. Sign the digital waiver
2. Download and review the NOAA Rockfish Survey Guide here – A limited supply of the same document is available at EDS if you prefer to have a hard copy
3. Watch the online training from PRMG (it’s roughly 20 mins) here
4. Sketch out the data you need to capture on your dive slate using the survey paper template as your guide
5. Ask your questions via this MeetUp in the comments section or we can discuss at the dive site during the briefing
6. (Optional) Want some additional practice in Rockfish ID? Check out this Presentation from PMRG.
7. (Optional) check out SeaDocs10 min video on YOYs