The purpose of the workshop is to train participants on the Atlantic and Gulf Reef Assessment Rapid Assessment Protocol (AGRRA-RAP), data analysis methods, and techniques on how to apply the data for management and conservation purposes. We will also conduct AGRRA-RAP on several areas in Bonaire to determine the condition of the reefs.
The Atlantic and Gulf Reef Assessment (AGRRA) is an international collaboration of researchers and managers designed to evaluate reef condition throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico using a Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP). The three core components of AGRRA-RAP examine the condition of hard corals, composition of algal communities, and abundance and size of fishes. For more information on AGRRA please see the web site: http://www.agrra.org.
The goals of the workshop are for participants to:
Corals- Assess coral colonies along 10m transects and determine the amount of recent and old partial coral mortality, coral size, and potential causes of mortality such as disease, bleaching, sedimentation, and algal overgrowth.
Algae- Assess algal communities by using 25 x 25 cm quadrats to determine the relative abundance of three principal algal types (macro, turf, coralline) and estimate macroalgal height.
Fishes- Determine the diversity of fish populations by using the rover diver method and determine the status (abundance and size) of commercially significant species (e.g., groupers, snappers), important grazers (parrotfish, blue tangs), and indicator species (damselfish) along 30 m x 2m belt transects.
| Sunday: | Participants arrive | |
| Monday: | Morning: | Discussion: Welcome and overview of AGRRA-RAP method |
| Afternoon: | Snorkel field trip- Corals (mortality, size), algae (abundance) | |
| Evening: | Exercise: Assessing coral mortality, coral size, and algal abundance | |
| Tuesday: | Morning: | Discussion: Overview of AGRRA methods for fish |
| Afternoon: | Snorkel field trip: Estimate fish length, rover diver & belt transect | |
| Evening: | Exercise: Introduction to methods of data analysis | |
| Wednesday: | Morning: | Dive field trip: 1 dive - Conduct AGRRA-RAP at 1 location |
| Afternoon: | Dive field trip: 1 dives - Standardizing diver estimates | |
| Evening: | Discussion: Results of comparisons | |
| Thursday: | Morning: | Dive field trip: 2 dives- Conduct AGRRA-RAP at 2 different locations |
| Afternoon: | Exercise: Methods for data analysis-corals and algae | |
| Evening: | Exercise: Data analysis of results | |
| Friday: | Morning: | Dive field trip: Conduct AGRRA-RAP at 2 different locations |
| Afternoon: | Exercise: Applying AGRRA for Management purposes | |
| Evening: | Discussion: Methods for site selection and Workshop Summary | |
| Saturday: | Participants depart | |
Registration fee
There is a small $150 registration fee that covers costs for registration, the AGRRA tool kit and daily snorkels and dives *. Please include a check for registration fee when submitting registration form.
AGRRA Tool Kit
The AGRRA tool kit contains a workbook and all of the field equipment needed to conduct AGRRA-RAP including, 10-m transect line, 25 x 25 cm quadrat, meter stick, underwater slate and data sheets, fish measuring t-bar, 30 m fish transect tape, and REEF slate + data template. Note: Participants will be able to keep all equipment at end of course.
Accommodations
Participants will be staying at Captain Don's Habitat - a centrally located dive resort on the beach - in comfortable 4-person cottages (2 people per room). The Habitat is one of the co-sponsors of the workshop and has graciously provided rooms at a reduced cost of only $50 per night per person. To reserve a room, fill out the registration form for the number of nights needed. Room costs are to be paid when you arrive at the Habitat. See the Habitat's website at http://www.bonaire.org/habitat/.
Food
There are a number of restaurants nearby that offer a variety of cuisines. On some days of the workshop we may arrange to have lunch delivered to the meeting room.
Diving*
Diving costs are included in the registration fee and include tanks, weights, and belt, but not dive gear (dive equipment will be available for rental). Diving will include shore and boat dives, with a special dive to a restricted use reserve. Each diver should bring his/her current diver certification card, mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit and if possible BC and regulator. If you will be renting any dive equipment, mark what items you need on the registration form.
Number of Participants
Limited to a maximum of 15 people to facilitate diving and ensure an effective learning environment.
Travel Requirements
Participants should make their own airline arrangements. Plan on arriving no later than Sunday evening in order to be ready for the start of the workshop on Monday morning. When departing, participants should keep in mind diving and flying safety requirements. The last workshop dive will end around 12 noon on Friday, February 5.
Sponsors
The workshop is sponsored by Bonaire Marine Park, Captain Don's Habitat, Dive Bonaire, and the University of Miami. Established in 1979, the Bonaire Marine Park surrounds the islands of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire covering an estimated 2700 hectares. The Park has been quite successful in protecting their reef resources while still allowing recreational diving and snorkeling. For more information about the Bonaire Marine park visit their web site at: http://www.bmp.org/.
Workshop Registration
Registration deadline is January 15, 1999. To register for the workshop, complete and send in the attached registration form and fee. For more information about the workshop contact Philip Kramer at (305)361-4968 or pkramer@rsmas.miami.edu. For more information about the Bonaire Marine Park, contact Kalli de Meyer at (599) 7 8444 or e-mail at marinepark@bmp.org.
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