Seasearch Observer Course

Seasearch is a UK & Ireland–based citizen science project that invites scuba divers, snorkelers, and other marine enthusiasts to survey and record what they see under the water. The goal is to build a long-term, widespread dataset of marine habitats and species to inform conservation, management, and policy decisions.

Many coastal and nearshore areas are under-surveyed, so Seasearch helps fill gaps in baseline data. Its data has already been used in real conservation outcomes—for example, Seasearch surveys contributed to the creation of the Lyme Bay Special Area of Conservation by documenting damage from bottom trawling. It helps monitor the presence and spread of invasive / non-native species, changes in habitat composition, species declines or recovery, etc.

You don't have to be a marine biologist or ID expert to participate in carrying out the surveys or attending the courses. Seasearch provides all the training you need on species ID, habitat classification, seabed sketching and how to record your findings.

This 2 day course consists of 1 classroom based day, followed by a day of diving or snorkelling (location TBC and dependent on weather). To qualify as an observer, divers must complete a number of survey dives (often 5), including some under supervision, and submit the forms for approval. During dives, Observers record features of the seabed (substrate, relief, cover types), species present, depths, etc. They often sketch a cross-section of the site and photograph or video to support their observations - don't worry, you don't have to be an artist. Surveys can be done from shore, boat, via snorkel, scuba, or freediving. Once submitted, forms are checked by local coordinators, then by the Seasearch data team, for consistency, accuracy, and plausibility. Validated records are then uploaded to relevant databases.