June 2005:  The Florida Keys

In June 2005, 13 SCUBAnauts embarked on their first live-aboard journey on the Gulf Stream Eagle.  They traveled along the Florida reef tract south from Juno Beach to Key Largo, meeting up with University of South Florida, FWRI, and NOAA scientists along the way. 

The first few days were spent acclimating the SCUBAnauts to carrying and utilizing a heavy load of scientific equipment, including video and still cameras, clipboards with data sheets, transect lines, and chains. The SCUBAnauts surveyed reefs using the Coral Reef Environmental Monitoring Program (CREMP) protocols and compared their results to data collected by scientists to ensure that their results were accurate.

In addition to the daily science, the expedition revolved around severalspecial projects:
            • Reef medic coral transplant
            • Aquarius tours

June 2006:  Little Bahama Bank and Northwestern Bahamas

SCUBAnauts International (SNI) conductedtheir5th annual summer marine research expedition with 12 SCUBAnauts and several adults onboard the live-aboard vessel Gulf Stream Eagle out of Riviera Beach, Florida. For 7-days, the 100-ft Gulf Stream Eagle was converted into a floating classroom where the SCUBAnauts collected undersea data on Bahamian coral reefs during the day and conducted classroom learning in the evening. In addition to the rigorous research alongside their scientist-mentors from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the USF College of Marine Science, the youth also had a few opportunities for recreational diving. Most of the SCUBAnauts logged more than 20 dives during this expedition.

Marine science included reef , fish, and physical parameters studies.  For assessments of reef health, SCUBAnauts were trained to perform surveys using the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) protocols.  SCUBAnauts also created maps of reef zonation and geomorphology (reef structure).  Fish surveys were performed using the Bohnsack fish survey method in which the diver remains stationary while counting fish.  SCUBAnauts also recorded the physical parameters at each site, including temperature, salinity, and water clarity (Secchi disk depth).

June 2007:  The Florida Keys

For their 6th annual summer marineresearch expedition, the SCUBAnauts returned to the Florida Keys.  This year, the number of participating SCUBAnauts exceeded the capacity of live-aboard vessels with 22 SCUBAnauts, 5 science mentors and dive leaders, and about 15 parents.  The solution was to operate from the Trumbo Point US Navy base in Key West.  Daily science diving operations in Key West were supported by Captain’s Corner and Dive Key West dive operators. In Key Largo, diving operations were staged with Florida Keys Dive Center.

Marine science included benthic (bottom dwelling) habitat studies, fish surveys, and collection of physical parameters.  A special focus this year was the validation of satellite imagery for the Florida Wildlife Resources Institute (FWRI) habitat mapping projects.  Data collected by the SCUBAnauts directly contributed to research projects for Florida state scientists.

In addition to the daily science, the expedition revolved around several special projects:
            • US Army Special Forces underwater navigation training
            • Reef medic coral transplant
            • Aquarius tours

Coming 2008!

June: Florida Keys and Bahamas

July: Discovery Bay Marine Lab, Jamaica