Reef Check in the new Marine Protected Areas?

[Peter_C]

Does anyone know what the plans are for surveying the sites like Saunders Reef and Arena Rock?

I see it as they need to have a baseline so there can be a scientific benefit from the closures. Then come back 5 years later and survey the sites again to see the improvements.

For those that don't know many of the North Coast dive sites are only accessible by boat, and if launching at Point Arena you have to sling your boat into the water.

The MPA's are set to take place April 1st
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/pdfs/nccmpas_brochure_highres.pdf

Personally I am excited to get out and dive the sites this year, and watch the improvements over the years.

I would be willing to take up to 4 divers in single tanks (3 people in dubs) out in my boat and stay with the boat myself. I would consider these advanced dive sites due to currents and other environmental hazards.

 

[fisheater]

Peter-

If you get ReefCheck California certified, you can assemble your own team and organize the surveys.

I'm in!

For more info on ReefCheck California, including what's it all about and how to get trained, see Reef Check California

 

[PauletteBonetti]

Me too I was watching The Cove again when you messaged me.

 

[Peter_C]

Peter-

If you get ReefCheck California certified, you can assemble your own team and organize the surveys.

I'm in!

For more info on ReefCheck California, including what's it all about and how to get trained, see Reef Check California

I feel these dive sites should have a boat operator onboard at all times for safety. Therefore I am willing to remain onboard my boat as Captain, allowing others to perform the surveys. Although we could do two up two down.

At some point I probably should get Reef Check certified...and help out where I can.

Also hoping some BAUE members (Ben, Team Bunny, etc) would be willing to assist in the surveys as they have done plenty of them before and can bring in their experience and they are prepared to handle the advanced dive sites with no complications.

Hey I got Paulette to post

 

[mikeguerrero]

Peter,

I think Michelle B. is certified as Reef check and would be able to give back insight to this project.

MG

 

[fisheater]

Peter:

Why not get certified and be the "data captain" for the team? In that role, you can design the surveys, assign the divers, assemble and report the data.

 

[Peter_C]

Timing is not right Oren. I was thinking of getting enough people together to get it done in May or so, right after the closure.

How about you volunteer to be the Data Captain

 

[dannobee]

You forgot the option, "I'm reef check certified and prefer my seafood poached." :shocked2:

 

[drbill]

Good idea... it would provide additional data to any surveys that CDF&G intends to undertake. The more information, the better in my book (no such thing as TMI).

 

[FishDiver]

I signed up for the Reef Check certification class in mid-May.