Day 1 (class)

Module 1A: Introduction to Reef Check, Reef Check California, Marine Ecology, Research Diving and Reef Check CA Monitoring Protocol (2 hrs classroom)

Objectives

1. Sign in, paperwork and introductions.
2. Brief history of Reef Check
3. Introduce divers to the need, goals and objectives of Reef Check California
4. Explain general oceanography, marine ecology, species interactions.
5. Identify threats to California’s rocky reefs
6. Introduce general ecological sampling design and  overview of RCCA survey methods

Module 1B: Reef Check California Methodology (1 hr classroom)

Objectives

1. Introduce components of Reef Check California Monitoring Protocol
2. Familiarize divers with site selection, site description, data entry and quality control/quality assurance procedures

Module 1C: Band Transect (Invertebrates and Algae) and Urchin Sizing (1.5 hrs Classroom)

Objectives

1. Train divers in the band transect methodology
2. Train divers to correctly identify algal species
3. Train divers to correctly identify invert. indicator species
4. Train divers in urchin sizing methodology

Module 1D: Fish Survey (2 hrs Classroom)

Objectives

1. Train divers in the fish survey methodology
2. Teach divers to identify target fish species
3. Teach divers to correctly estimate the size classes of target fish species.
4. Train divers in fish survey techniques

Day 2 (class/pool)

POOL: Buoyancy and Methods Practice (2 hrs Training Pool)

Objectives

1. Practice buoyancy techniques
2. Gain experience deploying transect line and writing on underwater slate

Module 2A: Uniform Point Contact (UPC) (1 hr Classroom)

Objectives

1. Train dives to be proficient in UPC survey methodology
2. Teach divers to correctly identify UPC categories

Module 2B: Wrap up and Written Exam (2 hrs Classroom)

Objectives

1. Putting the pieces together to complete a Reef Check CA survey
2. Complete and review written examination
3. Complete and review species identification exams
4. Complete course evaluation

Day 1 (field)

Module 3A: Algae and Invertebrate Band Transect Training Dive (1 dive)

Module 3B: Fish Survey, and UPC Training Dive (1 dive)

Module 3C: Transect Deployment, Fish Only Surveys and Species Identification Dive (1 dive)      

Module 3 Objectives

1. Gain field experience with algae band transect and UPC survey methods
2. Gain field experience with transect deployment, fish survey, and invertebrate band transect methodologies
3. Practice random fish transects and field identification and size estimation of target species

Day 2 (field)

Module 4A: Field Species Identification and Urchin Sizing Practical Test (1 dive)

Module 4B: Invertebrate and Algae Band Transect Practical Test (1 dive)

Module 4C: UPC and Fish Survey Practical Test (1 dive)

Module 4 Objectives

1. Test diver proficiency in all aspects of Reef Check California survey methods

Day 3 (field) – If applicable

Complete a full Reef Check California survey.