OCB 2262C - Field Application of Marine Science: Assessment of Coral Reef Habitats

Institution:

College of the Florida Keys

Subject:

OCB - Biological Oceanography

Description:

This course will equip students with the basic skills for assessing a coral reef habitat using the RECON method. The RECON method is a low-tech, rapid monitoring protocol for SCUBA divers. It is considered "low-tech" because the only equipment needed to conduct RECON is a special data sheet attached to a slate with a pencil and 10-meter survey line. This method is "rapid" because once you have learned how to correctly perform a survey; you should be able to complete a RECON survey during a 40-45 minute dive with a dive buddy. The RECON Program assesses the health of certain large (at least 25 cm diameter) stony coral, identifies their major stressors and characterizes their habitat. There are 4 levels of RECON certification: RECON I diver: This requires 2-3 hours of classroom time, 2 supervised training dives and 2 supervised survey dives. The student must also receive 80% on the RECON Level 1 Exam. RECON II diver: Complete 6 surveys conducted with a RECON-certified dive buddy. RECON III diver: Complete 10 surveys and receive 80% on Level 2 exam. RECON Instructor: Complete 10 surveys and complete RECON Instructor training (includes 2 additional surveys) + receive 90% on RECON Level 2 exam. For this course all participants will be expected to achieve Level III with Instructor status available for those that meet the requirements. This course will have 2 lecture contact hours per week (=30 contact hours per semester) and 2 lab contact hours per week (=30 contact hours per semester).

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture/Lab

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.fkcc.edu

Phone Number:

(305) 296-9081

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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