Volunteer divers are needed for reef monitoring program

Posted on June 3, 2022

The Taylor County Reef Research Team will offer an “Artificial Reef Monitoring Training” for divers on Saturday, June 11, in Steinhatchee.

The reef monitoring training class will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Steinhatchee Community Center located at 1013 Riverside Dr. SE.

“If you are a certified Open Water Diver or higher and would like to volunteer in a citizen science program that monitors artificial reefs in Taylor County waters in the Gulf of Mexico, join us for this one-day training on fish identification, fish count techniques and artificial reef material assessment,” said Taylor County Marine Extension Agent Victor Blanco.

The training will include lectures and a pool session in the afternoon to practice the skills of fish counting and identification.

After the training, several different dive dates will be coordinated to survey Buckeye Reef, located 22 miles offshore of Keaton Beach in 50 feet of water.

Cost of the training is $15, and tickets can be purchased online in advance at: www. eventbrite.com/e/artificial-reef-monitoring-in-taylor-count-training-for-divers-tickets-348106986367.