DIVE WITH A RESEARCHER (DWAR) PROGRAMS

2012       2012 - [TBA] Coral Reef CSI: Underwater Forensics (Int'l)     2012 - [TBA] Coral Reef CSI: Underwater Forensics (Local)     2012 - [TBA] Coral Bleaching & Its Impact On Cayman Reefs     2012 - [TBA] Search for Invasive Species     2012 - [TBA] In Search of Juvenile Corals     2012 - [TBA] Coral Disease Management Program     2012 - [TBA] Deep Dive Down Cayman's Wall     2012 - [TBA] Function of Fluorescent Proteins in Corals     2012 - [TBA] Biodiversity & Reef Resiliency     2012 - [TBA] Herbivorous Fish & Reef Resiliency     2012 - [TBA] Searching for Lobsters

 

		Biodiversity & Reef Resiliency This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will study the abundance of the major organisms at 60-100 ft that are competing with (and possibly out-competing) corals using visual surveys and underwater photography techniques.

		In Search of Juvenile Corals A Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project to investigate the potential for baby corals to survive and replenish the local reefs which have shown dramatic declines over the past decades.

		Coral Disease Management Project A Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project to help decrease the devasting effects of coral disease in reefs around Little Cayman Island.

		Herbivorous Fish & Reef Resiliency This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will investigate some key players in reef resiliency (mainly parrotfish) and see whether they alone are enough to prevent reefs from algae dominance.

		Function of Fluorescent Proteins in Corals This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project aims to better understand fluorescent protein function and origin on coral reefs. Volunteers will test several of these theories as well as isolate additional proteins from reef inhabitants.

		Search for Invasive Species This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will search for and record baseline data about invasive species on Little Cayman reefs (e.g. lionfish, mat tunicate) and examine their impact on local species.

		Searching for Lobsters This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will initially assess lobster populations around Little Cayman. This will provide a baseline to understanding the health of the population and, indirectly, the ways we can protect it.

		Deep Dive Down Cayman's Wall This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will explore the tropical communities occuring at the deepest extent of coral reefs (~400 ft) in the Caribbean using a ROV. We will also explore the Bloody Bay Wall to nearly 2000 ft.

		Coral Reef CSI: Underwater Forensics (Int'l) This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will apply underwater forensics to coral reef crime scene investigations. This is an 8 day course primarly intended for international participants.

		Coral Reef CSI: Underwater Forensics (Local) This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will apply underwater forensics to coral reef crime scene investigations. This is a 5 day concentrated course primarly intended for local participants.

		Coral Bleaching & Its Impact On Cayman Reefs The precise mission of this Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will be specified later but it will involve studying various aspects of coral bleaching on Cayman reefs.

WHY JOIN A DWAR PROGRAM?
CCMI research provides important insights into the regional and global decline of coral reefs and tropical habitats. Our research offers divers an opportunity to learn about the significant problems impacting marine habitats while acquiring hands-on research experience. By joining one of our DWAR programs you:

(a) Assist our researchers collect and archive underwater data
(b) Become more knowledgeable about reef conservation issues & efforts
(c) Gain a new diving experience
(d) Help directly fund the project you join
(e) Stay at a research station next to world-famous Bloody Bay Marine Park

Join DWAR and see first-hand what scientists are doing to protect coral reefs.

 

	"The CCMI DWAR program was a wonderful experience. While I had some prior academic knowledge of corals and fishes, I did not have a lot of field experience. Diving on the beautiful reefs, gathering data, and taking photographs of the reef and its denizens helped me hone my field skills. It was also a very enjoyable experience that made me feel as though I was actively doing something practical to help save the reefs. I encourage anyone with a love of diving & a concern for the health of coral reefs to join.”
	2007 & 2008 DWAR Program Attendee