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 rockin' young of year (YOY) rockfish and practice in the field. No prior surveying experience required.

SPECIAL FEATURE for this dive - we will be joining PMRG and the survey team. You'll get a chance to meet the lead of the program and ask the master any of your burning rock fish questions! They will also be presenting on their program during the Emerald Sea Dive Club monthly meeting Sunday night at Scuttlebutt Brewing restaurant - festivities start at 5 - let me know if you're interested.

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

Dive site: Edmonds Underwater Park

Meet Time: 1:00 PM meet with 2:00 PM 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, and free parking.

Experience level: Open water certification. We’re adding on additional surveying tasks to your dive which you'll do great with provided you're already comfortable diving, navigating, and controlling buoyancy so you can focus on finding our little buds! No prior surveying experience needed.

Special gear: Dive slate provided (limited supplies) if you haven't already been given one (BYO tether and u/w pencil), flashlight, and camera if you have one.

Hazards: potentially low viz, task loading

Max depth: ~40

How to find Bill: Bill will be in a grey Chevy Bolt

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

1. Sign the waiver: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/xZe2hKK6zoAQEYiuShN7uX/
2. Download and review the NOAA Rockfish Survey Guide – A limited supply of the same document is available at EDS if you prefer to have a hard copy. You can pick up a free YOY survey slate and buy a tether and pencil while you're there.
3. Watch the online training from PRMG (it’s roughly 20 mins)
4. Ask your questions via this MeetUp in the comments section or we can discuss at the dive site during the briefing
5. (Optional) Want some additional practice in Rockfish ID? Check out this Presentation from PMRG.
6. (Optional) check out SeaDocs10 min video on YOYs...you'll get some chuckles out of this...