Fish Biodiversity Surveys

Diver training

CoastKeepers participating on our Fish Surveys must complete our Fish Survey Training Workshops and Dives.

The survey workshops have been developed by CoastKeepers through consultation with scientists and dive experts. In addition you will receive a PADI Specialty Diver Certification - the AWARE Fish ID Specialty. Both the workshops and the AWARE Fish ID Specialty course are a fun and inexpensive way to increase your knowledge of the underwater world in a social environment.

People who complete the training are certified to identify and record fish species found in Sydney Harbour and NSW waters. Participants in this survey training gain valuable skills and experience as well as acquiring an AWARE - Fish Identification Certification.

Project AWARE is the dive industry's leading non-profit environmental organisation. Its mission: Conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. More information on Project AWARE can be found on the Project AWARE website

Dates for the first CoastKeepers Fish Survey Workshops are now available on the CoastKeepers Community Events Calendar.

What is involved?

A 3 hour training workshop, 2 dives and a knowledge review. The training and dives are lead by Dave Roe, an experienced PADI Dive Instructor who has worked extensively in the dive industry. CoastKeepers is providing an easy and fun way to get a dive certification that has been developed and is taught by professionals.

What's in it for you?

There are a range of benefits of participating in CoastKeepers Fish Survey Training. They include;

• Internationally recognised fish survey qualification (may require additional training in local species identification)
• Certified divers can participate in any NPA~Marine CoastKeepers or CoastKeepers Fish Survey dive
• Free Fish Survey dives regularly organised by CoastKeepers and CoastKeepers
• Certification qualifies towards a PADI Adventures in Diving (Advanced Course) certification.
• Certification counts towards PADI Master Scuba Diver rating
• Have fun while helping to conserve the marine environment

Individuals who have completed the training will be invited to participate in dives on CoastKeepers community days and to join open dive operators and dive groups for their CoastKeepers dives.