Reef Life Survey: 2024 training program
In February, 2024, Reef Life Survey teams in South Australia and Victoria undertook biodiversity surveys at 14 survey sites across the Great Southern Reef. The team in SA returned to the Fleurieu Peninsula to continue their ongoing monitoring of marine biodiversity within the Encounter Marine Park, gathering data to help detect change within this unique coastal region. Meanwhile, the Victorian RLS team revisited long-term monitoring sites at Port Phillip Bay, continuing some of the longest-running reef surveys in the world.
Image: Toni Cooper
Long term Victorian data
First surveyed using the Edgar-Barrett methods in the early 90s, RLS surveys began at Port Phillip Bay in 2009 and continue today in a collaborative effort between Parks Victoria staff and local volunteer divers who have become accredited RLS surveyors. Led by RLS Trainer Tess Hoinville and RLS Coordinator Jacqui Pocklington, the team surveyed 12 transects in total, recording varied catsharks, batwing seaslugs, cryptic warty prowfish, and many more species among lush kelp canopies.
Image: Toni Cooper
SA Surveys
Further along the coast in South Australia, Trainers Jamie Hicks and Danny Brock were joined by Tasmanian Trainer Toni Cooper to train seven fresh faces in the RLS methods. The team surveyed 32 transects in total, recording >11,000 individual fish and invertebrates, with species highlights including the western blue groper, blue devils, and one elusive tasseled anglerfish. The trip was made possible with boat support from Underwater Sports Diving Centre, as well as support from project sponsors at the Department of Environment and Water, and Green Adelaide's Rocky Reef Program funded by Kristian Peters.
Image: Jamie Hicks
Doing it for the data
In an enormous effort from all involved, the data collected will build on Reef Life Survey’s global database, helping us to understand what lies beneath the waves in the Great Southern Reef and beyond.
The newly accredited RLS divers are the first of many to be trained in 2024, helping us to expand the RLS network and keep these surveys going long into the future!
Image: Manny Katz
2024 South Australian RLS Trainees. Image: Toni Cooper.
