Citizen Research – Sea Slug Census Workshop

Join UniDive for an exciting opportunity to participate in a 2-hour online workshop delivered by a marine biologist from Ocean Connect. The workshop will teach you everything you need to know to competently participate in Sea Slug Census surveys.

Workshop Details

• When: Tuesday 6 October, 7:00 pm
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: $25 AUD
• Location: Online via Zoom
  Zoom details will be sent closer to the date, after registration is completed.
• Who can register?: The workshop is open to all current UniDive members who are medically fit to dive and hold a valid UQ Swim Test Certificate.

⏰ Don't miss out! At this stage, only one workshop is scheduled for 2026. We will aim to run another session next year if there is sufficient interest, so if you would like to participate, make sure you register for this session.

Why is this important?

UniDive is excited to introduce Sea Slug Census dives to our dive program!

Through specialist training provided by Ocean Connect, UniDive is joining a citizen science initiative that contributes to marine research by recording and monitoring nudibranch populations.

We will initially conduct surveys at Gold Coast dive sites, with the potential to expand to other dive sites in the future.

Sea slugs and nudibranchs are some of the most fascinating and photogenic creatures on our reefs. By participating in these surveys, you can contribute meaningful data to marine science while enjoying a dive with your UniDive mates.

This is also a great opportunity for members interested in marine science or related fields, providing practical citizen science experience that may complement your studies, professional development, and resume.

What happens after I complete the workshop?

Once you have successfully completed the online workshop, UniDive will begin organising dedicated shore and boat dives for Sea Slug Census surveys. Sea Slug Census dives will be advertised and organised as regular events on the UniDive dive calendar. However, to participate in these dives, you must have completed the Sea Slug Census workshop, as well as meet the dive participation requirements outlined below.

Requirements for Sea Slug Census dives

To participate in a Sea Slug Census dive, you must:

• Have completed the Sea Slug Census online workshop delivered by UniDive in collaboration with Ocean Connect.
• Be a current UniDive member, medically fit to dive, and hold a valid UQ Swim Test Certificate.
• Complete the registration for the dive through our website as all other dive trips we organise.
• Have a camera suitable for underwater macro photography, or be willing to share the cost of hiring an appropriate camera with another diver. Further details about camera requirements and hire costs will be provided during the workshop and will be organised as part if the trip logistics.
• Have completed a dive within the previous 6 months.
• Hold an Open Water certification or equivalent from a recognised training agency.
  If a particular census site requires an Experienced Diver or higher certification, the relevant certification requirement will apply. However, this is unlikely for the initial Sea Slug Census dives.
• Dive within the limits of your certification, training, experience, and personal capabilities.
• Have completed more than 20 logged dives and be confident with your buoyancy control, including during shallow-water dives. This is important because the surveys require you to focus on identifying and recording sea slugs while still maintaining appropriate buoyancy, monitoring your air and dive time, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings and navigation.
• Have all required dive equipment and be familiar and competent with its use.
• Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. Bring your own SMB/safety sausage, cutting device (e.g. knife or scissors), and whistle. These items cannot be hired through UniDive and must be provided by the diver.
• If you require additional equipment such as a BCD, regulator, or wetsuit, it is your responsibility to arrange equipment hire before the trip. Equipment is typically available for hire from the UniDive shed on Thursday evenings before the trip.
• Tanks and weights do not need to be hired separately, as these are included in the trip and will be collected from the UniDive shed on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I don't meet all the requirements for the Sea Slug Census dives? If you do not currently meet the requirements to participate in the Sea Slug Census dives but would still like to attend the online workshop, please contact the UniDive Dive Officer (dive@unidive.org) to discuss your circumstances. We are happy to consider individual situations and clarify whether completing the workshop would be appropriate for you at this stage.

2. What if I’d like to help organise the workshop and/or Sea Slug Census dives? If you’d like to get involved and help with organising the workshop or future Sea Slug Census dives, come and have a chat with the Dive Officer at the UniDive shed any Thursday between 6:00–7:00 pm. Proactive members who are keen to get involved and help are always welcome! 😊

3. Will completing the workshop automatically make me eligible to participate in Sea Slug Census dives?
No. Completing the workshop is a requirement, but you will also need to meet all of the specific requirements for participating in the dive.

4. Can I join a Sea Slug Census dive without participating in the survey?
No. These dives are specifically for members who have completed the Sea Slug Census workshop and are participating in the survey.

5. Will there be an additional cost for the Sea Slug Census dives?
Yes. The workshop fee covers the training only. As with all UniDive trips, the costs associated with each dive will be shared among the participating divers. The cost will depend on the particular trip and its associated expenses.