Reeflog is a citizen science program for scuba divers to survey marine ecosystems across India. The ocean is home to immense biodiversity, and supports communities across the coastline. However, tracking the health of marine ecosystems is difficult without continuous monitoring. With this in mind, we work alongside the dive tourism industry to track key species population and behavioral associations across various geographies and ecosystems.
Image credits:
Rishabh Kamath
Involving divers in marine ecosystem monitoring
Year of Initiation:
2016
Project Coordinator:
Suneha Jagannathan
E-mail Address:
Role in the project:
Project Coordinator
Institutional Affiliation:
Research Affiliate, Dakshin Foundation
Taxa:
Fish, Invertebrates (Porifera, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Arthropoda)
Status:
Active
No. of participants:
0 - 100
Geographical spread of project:
Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
Further information:
Reeflog aims to cover India's entire coastline, specifically regions where recreational SCUBA diving is conducted.
Purpose of the project:
Reeflog is a marine citizen science program aimed at scuba divers. Using citizen science as a tool, our goal is to increase ocean and scientific literacy in the adventure sports community.
Coordinating institution/organisation:
Dakshin Foundation
Location of the coordinating institution/organisation(s):
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Data availability:
Available upon request, without a fee
Participation in language other than English:
No
Appropriate age groups of participants:
Youth (15 - 21) yrs, Adults (21 yrs and above)
Citizen participation through:
Website
Why should people participate:
Reeflog presents divers with an opportunity to learn species identification, basic survey techniques and track key species populations. This program can be a stepping stone for people with an interest in ocean conservation, but lack an educational background in the field.
Prior knowledge or expertise required:
All participants need to be certified SCUBA divers, with a minimum level certification of Open Water Diver recognized by PADI, SSI or any other international affiliation agency. We recommend that participants are comfortable with their scuba gear, have a good control of buoyancy and underwater navigation prior to participating in Reeflog.
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