Local Science

The mission of the Tarpon Springs Chapter of SCUBAnauts is the long term study of natural hard bottom, seagrass, and reef habitats of the Florida Springs Coast and the associated fishes, turtles, sponges and corals.  To fulfill our mission, the Tarpon Springs 'nauts use scientific survey methods to collect data on the corals and fish that are present along the Florida Springs Coast.  These surveys are consistent with methods that are used world-wide, which allows scientists to compare data collected by Tarpon Springs SCUBAnauts to other studies.

The survey methods to collect fish data are: The REEF Roving Diver survey and the Atlantic Gulf and Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) Fish Survey. To collect data on the benthic community, we use the AGRRA Point Count and the AGRRA Belt Transect methods. We also collect GLOBE atmospheric and hydrologic data. During each dive, 'nauts are assigned in pairs to collect data using one of the survey methods.  After the dive, the Science Team Leaders are responsible for making sure that all collected data is entered into electronic data sheets and emailed to a science mentor.  Electronic data sheets are accumulated into a master data file which will be available for all SCUBAnauts as well as the scientific community

Click on the following links to download the electronic data sheets (excel) for the REEF Roving Diver Method, the AGRRA Fish Survey, the AGRRA Point Count, and the AGRRA Belt Transect.

Check out the local fish we see along the Florida Springs Coast!