2013/03/22 by Colin S. Munro · 1 citation
Environmental Science · Engineering · #Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies #Marine animal studies overview #Environmental science #Underwater #Marine engineering #Oceanography #Geology #Engineering
paper · doi:10.1002/9781118542392.ch4
openalex publication_date 2013/03/22 · openalex created_date 2022/02/13 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Scientific diving incorporates almost all current diving techniques. Although the vast majority is still conducted using open-circuit SCUBA breathing compressed air, it includes other gas mixtures such as nitrox, heliox and trimix and other systems such as surface-supply and semi- and fully closed circuit rebreathers (CCRs). In recent years, mixed gas rebreathers have been used for several deep reef investigations. The scientific application of techniques more commonly considered to be the realm of oil and gas industry divers, saturation diving and undersea habitats, is also considered here. Data collection and recording techniques reviewed here include core sampling, resin casting, yabby pumps, manta boards, simple writing slates, voice communication systems, video and stills cameras. For monitoring programmes involving divers, the methods employed for site relocation and marking are considered, including the use of sub-surface marker buoys, snag-lines, transponders and the use of pneumatic drills, pitons and underwater setting resin to create long-term markers. Standard reef and fish survey techniques such as line intercept transects (LITs), Marine Nature Conservation Review semi-quantitative survey methods and random swim survey protocols are also described.