Diver Projects
Add a new dimension and purpose to your diving by joining a growing group of divers conducting marine life surveys; …either by observing one of the species suggested below, or choosing a creature of particular interest to you.

You don't have to be a scientist to make new discoveries in the marine environment: - any diver or underwater photographer who spends a lot of time underwater has a very real opportunity to make valuable observations and provide new information as to the range and habits of particular species. The key is to be objective with your observations and accurately record all relevant details for entry onto our online sightings form. Project 'Eye on the Sea' is currently collecting and collating diver observations from around NZ on our Sightings database, and these entries will be passed onto the appropriate researchers.

Some easily observed species commonly found in harbours or on coastal shore dives:

Octopus Nudibranchs Seahorse Hermit Crab
Note; Such species that occupy a home territory are more rewarding to study as they can be observed time and time again in the same locality. Look out for behaviours such as feeding, courtship, mating, nesting, egg laying, territorial disputes, as well as habitat type occupied, and variations in colour and markings of a particular species…in fact almost any observation may be of value and add to current understanding of even quite common marine life!

Some Survey Suggestions…
Use a dive slate to record observations during your dive Take a torch, it allows you to see colours more readily Keep accurate notes with details like date, weather conditions, depth of sighting, type of habitat, visibility and water temperature After your dive transfer the notes from your slate to the 'Eye on the Sea' online submission form. Train yourself to be observant, noting colours and sizes of the observed species Watch for behaviour such as courtship, spawning activity, feeding etc…often such basic behaviours have yet to be described for even quite common species. As well as your chosen subject, always have an eye out for (and note down) any marine mammal sightings or shark sightings, fish species unusual to your area, etc that could be of interest to other researchers.