Program Info

What is THAT? So many divers see something underwater and ask each other "Did you see that? What do you think it was?" To help educate divers about local marine life, the San Diego Oceans Foundation has partnered with Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) and the Birch Aquarium to offer free fish and invertebrate identification training classes for SCUBA divers and snorkelers.

This program trains divers and snorkelers how to identify over 30 species of fish and invertebrates commonly found in Southern Californian waters. Data is collected using a standardized method called the Roving Diver technique, where divers swim freely throughout a dive site and record every observed fish that can be positively identified.

The search begins as soon as the diver or snorkeler enters the water with the goal to find as many species as possible. At the conclusion of each dive, each recorded species is assigned an abundance level based on how many were seen throughout the dive [Single (1); Few (2-10); Many (11-100); Abundant (>100)] and this information is recorded on a scantron form.

The data is entered into a publicly accessible database on REEF's website and is used by scientists, government agencies and interested public! Information gathered through this program not only contributes to an international database used by scientists and government agencies, but helps divers become knowledgeable about the ocean environment and sparks interest in continued learning.

Calling all SCUBA divers! Participate in our annual Dive-A-Thon for a chance to win great prizes and support SDOF!