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NCMG Dive Group
The Dive Group exists to provide safe and enjoyable diving experiences with a focus on science – without being too serious. It allows us to have a contact list of divers so that those looking for a buddy to go on a dive can find someone easily. There are already around 25 divers in the group and it is planned to have regular dives and other activities.
These include:
- Regular dives incorporating surveys of fish species and numbers as part of the Coastkeepers program established under the National Parks Association of NSW (Marine). These dives are planned to take place every six weeks and will mainly be done as shore dives. Some members have been trained in this methodology and have been awarded a PADI qualification. We will look at training others to bring them up to speed. This is a useful way of coming to grips with the important local species. Even those not formally qualified can join in these dives to improve their ID skills. The program provides some assistance with the cost of air fills.
- Developing a photograph register of marine life of the Batemans Marine Park. Members of the group already have extensive personal photo libraries and the exercise will involve integrating existing collections as well as taking new photographs.
- Developing a photograph register of marine life of the Narooma Wharf. The group has already done several dives and snorkels there and it is an amazing experience. We may also look at doing a more systematic survey of this rich habitat.
- Identifying areas where rare/interesting species are more likely to be found and gather data on numbers and distribution. This could include weedy seadragons, other seahorses, black cod, grey nurse sharks, tropical visitors and others. This would involve going on dives specifically looking for these species, taking photos and recording what we are doing.
- Surveys and other activities on unwanted introduced species. We have already been involved in a program on Pacific Rock Oysters, but there are a few other nasties around and we could look at ways in which we could work together with the relevant authorities to gather data.
- A program to map major dive and snorkel sites.
- Involvement in marine mapping activities, providing scuba assistance to other major programs. Marine mapping is a fairly big and technology intensive activity, but there would probably be scope for scuba divers to be involved in validating data.
- Training divers to take part in the Reef Life Survey program managed by the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute at the University of Tasmania. This is a rigorous methodology that involves a fairly high level of training and commitment but is very worthwhile for those who want to be involved. Three NCMG divers have already been trained and have done dozens of surveys in the Batemans Marine Park area.
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