Diving plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring. At the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), a skilled team of divers is involved in environmental analysis, method development, species inventory, various research projects, and maintenance tasks. All members of the diving team are environmental analysts or researchers.
The diving team's tasks are varied and multifaceted. A typical day for a diver could include activities such as cataloging hard-bottom fauna in Lake Mälaren, repairing fish traps at the Fisheries Research Station in Älvkarleby, or studying invasive species on the Swedish west coast. They may also assist with inspecting and maintaining the hulls of research vessels or the water intakes at our institutes.
Our divers are skilled at reaching hard-to-access areas quickly, allowing them to perform their work both efficiently and precisely. While they work year-round, the majority of their tasks are carried out during the warmer months (April – September).
From fish to macrophytes
Our divers have extensive experience in identifying both native and alien organisms that live in our oceans, freshwater and coastal waters. Although SLU Aqua mostly studies fish and crustaceans, the divers also work with macrophytes (algae), mussels and benthic fauna.
The method known as "transect diving" is commonly used to study environmental changes in sessile species communities, such as algae. In this technique, divers perform their work along a straight line (the transect) on the seabed. The line is typically marked with a tape measure, allowing the documentation of distance from shore, direction, and depth. Along the transect, divers identify all species encountered. Additionally, they assess the type of substrate and evaluate the extent of species coverage. This method can also be used to count crayfish burrows or map the presence of invasive species.
Film – for safe documentation
UV filming is used to document various events during dives, such as species distribution or the effectiveness of different fishing gear. To keep their hands free for other tasks, divers often mount the camera on their helmet along with lights. If needed, the camera can be connected to a screen on the surface, allowing the dive leader on the boat to monitor the work in real time.
Questions and inquiries about the diving group at SLU Aqua
Do you have questions or would you like to collaborate with us on various projects? Please contact patrik.bohman@slu.se
