Photo Transects: Reef Survey Method Getting to the Bottom of Things

Getting to the bottom of things

March 13, 2013

Written by Liz Thompson

One of our survey methods that we do while diving at each site is photo transecting. Photo transects involve taking evenly measured photos of the reef bottom. This not only gives us a permanent record of the reef condition, but it also allows us to do a more detailed analysis after the dive. Executive Director Phil Renaud, Chief Scientist Andy Bruckner and Ken Marks have been taking photo transects on this trip to Rangiroa. Combined they take several photo transects every 5 meters from 30 to 5 meters depth.

*A screenshot of one of the programs used to analyze photo transects.*

Each photo they take covers one square meter of reef. Using these photos, in combination with various computer programs, we can calculate the percentage of each organism on the bottom, the different sizes of corals or even the total area covered by coral. Photo transects are just another tool we have to help us describe and evaluate these reefs.

(Photos by 1-Brian Beck, 2-Ken Marks)

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Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose

Ten years ago, the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program began with a simple but meaningful commitment: to connect Bahamian students with the mangrove ecosystems that shape and protect their island home.

Since 2015, B.A.M. has been implemented in partnership with Friends of the Environment, whose dedication to environmental stewardship in Abaco has made this program possible year after year. Together, we have worked alongside Patrick J. Bethel High School and Forest Heights Academy to bring hands-on mangrove science into classrooms and out into the field.

What makes ten years remarkable is not just longevity — it is consistency…

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…

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Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey