Why AWARE - Fish Identification?

Have you ever asked yourself, "What was that?” This course will introduce you to the most common fish families and species found in temperate and tropical waters. You'll also learn basic fish identification and scientific survey techniques as well as how important personal involvement is in aquatic conservation.

What do I need to start?

• PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Minimum age: 10 years old

What will I do?

During your AWARE - Fish Identification Diver Specialty course, you'll practice basic fish identification techniques then collect fish identification data for submission to the REEF Fish Survey Project (if appropriate). The course includes all the background you'll need to identify fish in your area, including:

• Information on Project AWARE and aquatic protection worldwide
• Characteristics of local fish families and species
• Fish survey techniques and strategies
• Fish identification dive planning, organization and procedures

How long will it take?

• Recommended Course Hours: 12
• Minimum Open Water Training: two dives over one day

Where can I go from here?

The AWARE - Fish Identification Adventure Dive from the Adventures In Diving program credits toward this specialty at the discretion of the instructor and this specialty certification counts as one of the five Specialty course certifications for the PADI Master Scuba Diver certification.