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Classes and Training

REEF Fish and Invertebrate ID Classes (free!)

Register Online Here!

These classes are FREE, fun, and well worth your while!

Sponsored by REEF through a grant from the Russell Family Foundation, these fun, informative classes will be offered free to the public. Learn how to identify 40+ basic Pacific NW fish and 40+ Pacific NW invertebrates. We use common names, not scientific names, and focus on how to ID each critter, but don't get heavily into biology. These classes will change the way you dive! Instructor Janna Nichols.

Read article in Skagit Valley Herald about the classes

Please note: These classes are geared towards Pacific NW divers and are intended to encourage divers to become citizen scientists by conducting REEF marine life surveys on their recreational dives.

Upcoming locations include:

  • Saturday, May 17th, 2008 - Seattle, WA, NEW Advanced Fish ID class, (Recommended, but not required, to have taken the Basic REEF Fish ID class first) - Seattle Aquarium. 9am - 1pm. Signup online. Designed to help those who are already level 2 surveyors attain levels 3-5. Class is held in large classroom upstairs. If you want to look around the aquarium after class, you'll need to pay your own admission.

Photos of fish you need to get familiar with

And while you're at it, look at the invertebrates too!

Study list of Pacific NW Fish and Invertebrates

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Oregon Coast Aquarium presents

Marine Ecology for the
Wet and Wild!

  • Saturday, June 7th, 2008
  • Janna Nichols, instructor
  • Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, OR
  • Ages 16+ only, please
  • Learn about the critters, then dive in the exhibits to see them up close and personal and do a mini REEF survey!
  • Must have 20 logged dives and C-Card to dive in the exhibits
  • $140 classroom and diving, $75 classroom only (subject to change)

More details and signup info here!

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Do I need to take a class to do REEF surveys?

No, not at all, although it's highly encouraged and fun! You can study your fish and invertebrates on your own. In addition you'll need to learn how to correctly fill out the scan forms.

Click here to view our Quick Start Guide to Surveying!

You should have a few good reference books to help identify mystery critters, a survey slate, underwater data forms and the computer scan forms.

All of these books and materials can be purchased online from REEF.

Click here to go directly to their online store!

Also, many reference books are available at local bookstores, dive shops and through other online sources.

The underwater forms really help. They list the most common species and greatly reduce the amount of writing you need to do underwater. If you haven't seen these forms take a look here!

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