FISH DIVERSITY

Ready to Dive In?

Did you know that over 400 species of fish make Caribbean reefs their home? In fact, there are almost as many species of fish as there are all other types of vertebrates combined, which includes amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals! Students who participate TIDES Fish Diversity learn firsthand just how incredibly diverse and abundant our aquatic relatives are. In fact, the tan bristlemouth (Cyclothone pallida) is considered the most abundant vertebrate on Earth!

The community of fish species present on a reef gives scientists important information about reef health. Students will complete Ocean First Education’s Caribbean Fish Identification course and then put their fish identification skills to use by participating in citizen science projects focusing on species diversity and abundance and identification of indicator species. In addition, students will learn basic survey skills such as the roving diver technique.  

The Nitrox and Perfect Buoyancy SCUBA specialties are a prerequisite for the Fish Diversity expeditions. These prerequisites can be added onto the cost of the expedition and students can receive instruction through Ocean First. The SSI Specialties Night/Limited Visibility and Waves, Tides, and Currents are included in the program cost. Past expeditions have gone to the Florida Keys, Belize, and Cayman Islands.

Inclusions

SSI Courses

Ecology Courses

Upcoming Course Dates

Coming Soon!

Prerequisites

Gear

Personal scuba mask, fins, and snorkel are required