Underwater surveys:

Underwater surveys are a key method for scientists to get information on various species such as star fish, Lingcod ( and their egg masses), rockfish and others. Many scientists are not divers and trained diving volunteers are extremely helpful in obtaining data.

Underwater surveys: Lingcod egg mass survey

Rendezvous Dive Adventures participates each year in the Annual Lingcod egg mass count. The Vancouver Aquarium has the longest running survey for the egg masses of this endangered fish. The aim is to monitor the number, size and condition of the egg masses in order to assess the recovery of this important species.

Underwater surveys: lingcod and egg mass

Underwater surveys: lingcod eggs close up

The Lingcod egg mass survey takes place during spring when the males guard the nests. Typically the peak of egg masses is between February and March, but depending on the area the egg masses can be found as early as December and as late as May. Divers at Rendezvous Dive Adventures are taking the data, which is then reported to the Vancouver Aquarium.  If you want to get involved in your area,  just click on this link to get more information.

Underwater surveys: Rockfish

Rockfish have, like many other species, been misunderstood and over-fished. Depending on the species rockfish can be over 100 years old and as some of them do not reach reproductive maturity until they are 50 years old, the recovery is very slow. Rendezvous Dive Adventures does rockfish surveys for the Vancouver Aquarium. The survey’s goal is to obtain distribution and abundance indicators. Click here for more details

NEWS: In co-operation with the Seattle Aquarium, Rendezvous Dive Adventures offers a short scientific rockfish survey workshop. Learn how to properly survey for rockfish, set out transects, collect data etc. May 22-25 2015! More information here.

underwater surveys: juvenile Copper rockfish

Interview on underwater surveys with Jeff Marliave of the Vancouver Aquarium.

Underwater surveys

underwater surveys: REEF.org

REEF is an organisation that teaches divers to identify various species of fish and invertebrates in both tropical and temperate waters. Specifically in the Pacific Northwest the invertebrate life is varied and abundant. Although they do not have field surveys every year in Barkley Sound, they do offer support through Rendezvous Dive Adventures which is a REEF field station. Peter Mieras is a level 5 surveyor and can assist you with questions you may have.