View Instrument

SCUBA divers conduct towed-diver surveys to assess relatively large areas of reef habitat and to survey large-bodied reef fishes. This method involves towing two divers (one fish, one benthic) behind a small surface craft that is moving at a velocity of 1-2 mph. The benthic towboard is equipped with a digital camera that is pointing in the downward-looking direction, to record the benthos over which the diver and camera are moving. The benthic diver maneuvers the towboard on which the camera is mounted and records selected data pertaining to the habitat using datasheets mounted on the towboard. The towboard is also equipped with a SEABIRD sensor that records depth and water temperature every 5 seconds. A GPS unit on the surface tow vessel records the trackline over which the divers are being towed.