• From initial reef reconnaissance 
• Reef monitoring site selection, 
• In-water data collection, result analysis and 
• Overall assessment on the environmental health of the surveyed reef area. 

The reef ecology courses are based on reef research stations within some of the world's most bio-diverse tropical marine regions and can be scheduled to coincide with spectacular natural events such as coral and fish spawning or the seasonal arrival of large migratory marine life such as cetaceans.  In addition, exclusive environmental expeditions on a luxurious dive charter vessel are available for special interest groups with a focus on the ecology of the remote oceanic reefs of the Coral Sea.

The Acropora Coral Health Program, as well as the Eye on the Reef Program developed by APEX Environmental and now implemented by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority were specifically designed to allow for the active involvement of non-experts while maintaining data quality. In addition, both programs have an extensive educational component covering indicators of coral health and various specialised marine environmental monitoring issues. 

The field methods for these programs have developed in consultation with various Australian marine science and management institutes, reef user groups and indigenous communities and are largely compatible with ASEAN - Survey Manual for Tropical Marine Resources (1994). 

• Gain an intimate, hands-on understanding of reef ecosystems and coral health. 
• Obtain valuable experience in reef monitoring techniques and the identification of a variety of coral health indicators and ãtargetä reef animals. 
• Discuss the monitoring results in relation to reef health and their relevance to reef management. 
• Be actively involved in reef conservation issues. 
• Evaluate reef sites in terms of the occurrence of specific coral health indicators, as well as other environmental issues affecting reefs and tropical coastal areas globally. 

It is of great importance to understand the ecological conditions that favour coral reef stress in order to assess which levels of coral stress are naturally occurring on a pristine, healthy reef system,  and whether coral health is affected by specific direct or indirect human activities.  The active participation reef monitoring and education program outlined here will increase our understanding of this important aspect of coral reef conservation. 

Seminars will discuss the latest research findings on issues such as: 

• Reef ecology - Species function and interactions, checks and balances. 
• Natural and human impacts on coral reefs. 
• Indicators of environmental health. 
• Indigenous and modern reef usage. 
• Medicinal uses of reef resources. 
• Reef conservation challenges with a focus on the Indo-Pacific. 

   

These topics will come to life with high quality slides, powerful videos and interesting case studies.  They are held during several evenings in an informal, tropical setting. 

• Professionals in marine industries 
• Ranger training programs in remote locations 
• University or management studies in the environmental sciences 
• Nature-based and minimal impact tourism courses 
• Active learning institutes 
• Special interest groups 

The reef monitoring activities will provide for advanced and exhilarating snorkeling and diving (conditions apply) experiences: 

• Reef reconnaissance surveys. 
• Reef exploratory drift dives and snorkels. 
• Research site selections. 
• Fine-scale reef monitoring dives. 
• Night dives and snorkels. 
• Remote coastal explorations. 

The research and monitoring techniques are easy to master and all scientific training is provided.  Please note that advanced snorkeling skills are essential for all reef monitoring activities.  Scuba diving techniques can be included if all course participants are PADI Advanced divers or equivalent. 

Because of the specialised nature of the Eye on the Reef - Field Ecology Courses they are conducted on request from interested organisations.  If you would like to receive additional information on a customised program, then please contact our office directly via e-mail.