ROVING SURVEYS

Sighting frequency surveys

Ecological monitoring strategy

Objectives

This data is stored in our in house database and available for open access on request. It has been used for publications and as supportive data for research interns in their independent thesis projects.

Partnered with the Baited Remote Underwater Video project we use the collective data and results to put forward policy changes to create a more effective local marine management strategy Regulating nonfishing zones and limiting tourist access to critical habitats.

Methodology

Before researchers qualify to be an active surveyor they must first complete Level 1, 2 and 3 of Indo Ocean Project's species identification courses, passing the species ID exam with a minimum pass rate of 95% All surveyors must complete an inwater sizing workshop and pass the exam achieving a minimum of 95% to limit bias in the data collection. This high level of expectation allows us to standardise and quantify the level of knowledge of the surveyors.

The survey team consists of 3-8 research divers and 1 lead research diver. The research team records all correctly identified indicator species over 20cm for the duration of 30 minutes. The size is confirmed using our sizing workshop assessment and data is recorded on slates including species name, number of individuals sighted, size, sex, time and depth of sighting

Once on the surface the group’s data is compared and combined into one set of data per survey dive and is inputted into the databases following completion on the day of the dive.

Each research assistant is provided with species identification pre-arrival study guides. They also undergo a thorough training upon arrival including methodology and fish identification training before their results contribute to our databases.