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Citizen science is at the heart of our mission

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Explore

EDSBC members brainstorm what areas could have potential for abundant marine life and interesting geography. Once an area is chosen, divers simply jump in and explore. 

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Survey

Using citizen science survey methods, we map the dive site in its entirety. Important information is gathered about the dive site, and a collection of media is created. 

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Discover

Once an interesting area has been discovered, we discuss and determine whether the dive site fills our criteria and appeals to freedivers, non-technical divers, and technical divers. 

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Share

Once all site info is ready, we release it to you. This includes a dive site map, location, topography details, marine life, hazards, suitable skill levels, and environmental impacts.

Using unparalleled rating systems

EXPLORE

EDSBC is an action-oriented organization built around observation research

We deploy a team of freedivers, non-technical divers, and technical divers to gather characteristics of each location:

  1. Biological diversity and marine life density

  2. Geological survey (depths, contours, structures, composites)

  3. Water quality (visibility, temperature, oxygen, salinity)

  4. Tidal characteristics and current

  5. Sun exposure

  6. Proximity to industry (dive shops and charters)

  7. Skill level (relative to a diver experience, qualifications and equipment)

  8. Accessibility and location

  9. Hazards (natural and engineered)

Divers Waiting To Survey | Exploration Diving Society of British Columbia | Underwater Exploration

DISCOVER

Once we discover a site that fills our criteria, data collection begins

Data will be gathered using the following methods where feasible and accessible:

  1. Diver observation

  2. Thermometers and hydrometers;

  3. Dissolved oxygen meter

  4. Secchi disk (for vertical visibility measurement)

  5. Marked reel line (for horizontal visibility measurement)

  6. Cameras (handheld, drop cameras and ROV's)

  7. Depth sounders and current meters

  8. Quadrats for biodiversity and density

Diver Surveying | Exploration Diving Society of British Columbia | Canada | Underwater Exploration

SURVEY

Once the data collection dives are over, analysis begins

Members of multiple disciplines gather over multiple weeks to transform the data collected into something divers and non-divers can use, using the following methods:

  1. Data preparation

  2. Data exploration

  3. Specification and reduction of data

  4. Interpretation

Dive Site Surveys | Underwater Exploration | Exploration Diving Society of British Columbia

SHARE

Once we've analyzed our data, we summarize and present it to the public

Our dive sites are shared on the Dives page on this website, through our social media pages, and dive events. 

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
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Photos: Eiko Jones, Maxwel Hohn, Chris Adair

Proudly supported by:

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