This week, ECIMAT is hosting the “2nd Reef Life Survey Spain Course” organized by Thebiteslab, www.thebiteslab.com, and led by Mikel Becerro, Researcher at the Advanced Studies Station of Blanes of the CSIC, with the collaboration of the Marine Environment Area of ECIMAT – University of Vigo, Buceo Atlantis, and the Atlantic Islands National Park.
The objective of the course is to train 9 accredited volunteer divers in the RLS methodology for conducting censuses of benthic organisms inhabiting rocky bottoms in Spain, using the methodology internationally employed by the Reef Life Survey biodiversity study network, www.reeflifesurvey.com. This is a non-intrusive sampling methodology for shallow rocky bottoms using photographic techniques with scuba diving equipment.
The dives are being conducted in 5 rocky bottom areas of the Ría de Vigo at depths between 7 and 10 meters, including the notable bottoms around the Cíes Islands. Sample collection is carried out from the KRAKEN, ECIMAT’s vessel, and ATLANTIS, the boat from the diving company Atlantis. Once onshore, participants carry out the processing and analysis of the daily samples at ECIMAT.
