Conservation
The Data: Fiji
During the 2017 Fiji Expedition on board the m/y Ad-Vantage, Project Baseline volunteers conducted a series of dives to collect data that will be used for scientists to study the health of the area compared to other reefs in the South Pacific and other parts of the globe.
Click the image to view a gallery of several different corals/reefs around Fiji.
“Passions provide purpose but data drives decisions.”- Andy Dunn
During the 2017 Fiji Expedition on board the m/y Ad-Vantage, Project Baseline volunteers conducted a series of dives to collect data that will be used for scientists to study the health of the area compared to other reefs in the South Pacific and other parts of the globe. Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, video transects, detailed documentation of specific coral colonies, along with sample collection and preservation were conducted by a team of technical divers, open circuit science divers, and a submersible. The data collected is being analyzed by a graduate student from the University of the South Pacific. To view, the data visit our database and our YouTube channel.
To read more about the project, see our article on Establishing a Baseline for Fiji’s Coral Reefs, or view our story map.
This is the dive profile for the mission at Alacrity Passage. The temperature is recorded on their dive computers as well as on a data sonde that is carried by one of the dive team members.
Both the rebreather team and the submersible were equipped with data sondes that continuously measured the salinity, temperature, and depth of the water at one-second intervals. The rebreather team’s data sonde was also equipped with pH and dissolved oxygen sensors.
The data was downloaded and plotted to depict how those parameters varied from site to site and with respect to depth at every site. These data will provide other important baselines for coral reef conditions in Fiji from which change through time can be identified, quantified, and hopefully acted on.
Top Image Photo Credit: Rob Wilson, Frontline Photography.
The Project Baseline initiative is driven by data collection. With an online spatial database that hosts the collection efforts of over 100 teams in over 30 countries, anyone can access the temperature, visibility, and images from these aquatic locations.
Community
Diving into the fascinating world of marine biology
A new marine biology guide for divers and snorkelers will be unveiled at DEMA 2022
PRESS RELEASE
October 24, 2022 – MONTREAL Beneath the Blue Planet is the ultimate guide to the ocean, its creatures, and its conservation. This comprehensive and pioneering book answers many of the burning questions that divers and snorkelers have when exploring the underwater world. If you want to know how the ocean works, understand the perils that coral reefs face, and learn about some of the world’s most fascinating marine creatures, then this book will guide you. Beneath the Blue Planet traces the story of our ocean from Earth’s formation to the modern day, detailing the science behind everything from currents and chemistry to the fascinating ecology of its creatures, ranging from plankton to whales. Beyond explaining why the ocean and its inhabitants are so remarkable, Beneath the Blue Planet explores the serious challenges this precious environment faces, and offers insights into how we can work to preserve it for future generations.
Beneath the Blue Planet is written by dive industry veteran, educator and marine conservation biologist Dr. Alex Brylske, and published by Reef Smart Guides, which is responsible for the well-known Dive and Snorkel travel guide series, with titles in Florida and many Caribbean destinations. The new release contains 250 captivating images and illustrations and follows the familiar Reef Smart Guides style that integrates Eco Tips, Safety Tips, and Scientific Insight boxes. This guide to the underwater world is one that every avid diver and snorkeler should have on their bookshelf or in their dive bag alongside their logbook.
This exciting new guide will be unveiled at the DEMA 2022 show in Orlando, FL, November 1-4, 2022. While the official publication date is December 15, 2022, a limited number of signed advanced copies will be available at Author’s Corner on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 (12:00-12:30 PM) and Thursday, November 3, 2022 (11:00-11:30 AM), as well as at the Reef Smart Guides booth (#914) throughout the show. Copies of Beneath the Blue Planet can also be pre-ordered on Amazon (see QR code below).
Dr. Alex Brylske will also hold a seminar at the DEMA 2022 show in room S310A, on Wednesday, November 02, 2022 (4:00 PM – 4:45 PM), titled Perfecting the Customer Experience: The Art and Science of Coral Reef Interpretation. During the presentation, Dr. Brylske will introduce the new book and demonstrate how dive professionals can use this important new resource to create exceptional educational experiences for students and customers, as well as turn them into effective environmental advocates for ocean conservation.
This new guide is part of a major new initiative called Reef Smart Education, which aims to bring a greater understanding of marine ecology to the dive industry. Through physical publications and both online and onsite seminars, this initiative will not only help recreational divers and snorkelers get the most out of their underwater experience, but also assist dive professionals and resort staff to develop engaging educational activities and programs for their guests.
To learn more about Beneath the Blue Planet and Reef Smart Education, visit ReefSmartGudies.com.
Contact:
Ian Popple (CEO Reef Smart Inc.)
Montreal, CANADA
Email: ian@reefsmartguides.com
Tel.: 514-448-4771
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