An important guideline however for fish surveyors of any skill level is to list only those species that are positively identified. Your mission is to record all species seen that can be identified. In addition, estimates of abundance are recorded. As you encounter species, record their names on the underwater slate. Divers are encouraged to actively hunt for species during the entire dive.
Surveying can start while dropping down through the water column.
Here, plankton feeders and open water species are frequently sighted. Settling on a clear patch of bottom offers the opportunity to record the names of the most common benthic fishes. The remainder of the dive should be spent hunting for additional species. When an unknown fish species is discovered, its' distinguishing features can be sketched on the slate. If a positive identification is confirmed after reviewing your identification text, the species should then be added to the list as a positively sighted species.