Diving will never be the same again when you are armed with the knowledge that leather stars smell like garlic, the giant nudibranch pounces on its prey like a cat, and sunflower stars cruise along the bottom with ten thousand tube feet!

Few things enhance your scuba diving experience like being able to identify, and know about, what you are looking at. At the end of this fun, dynamic class, you will be able to positively identify 50 of the Northwest's most common spineless species. In addition, you will learn what distinguishes the different groups of invertebrates from one another (what makes a crab and a shrimp crustaceans, and an octopus and a nudibranch mollusks).

What you will learn:

• How to positively identify fifty Northwest invertebrates
• The major differences between nine groups of invertebrates
• Cool facts to impress your friends!
• How to perform a REEF survey (see below)

Why Survey?

First and foremost, it makes diving much more fun! Second, it contributes to a growing body of data that will be provided to researchers and legislators working to preserve the species in our waters.

Things you can do before the class starts:

• For a list of the invertebrates you will want to review before class, click here.
• Visit the REEF quiz page to get familiar with the invertebrates surveyed.
• Although not required, it is highly suggested you purchase a copy of Whelks to Whales by Rick Harbo before the class for review.

To purchase a starter kit from REEF (recommended), click here.

Cost: Workshop: $65.

Specialty Certification: $65 (for two dives, PADI Specialty certification, and REEF Level 2 surveyor. Dives can be done at any time after workshop is completed).

Sign Up: Email info@pelagiascuba.com, or call 206-618-2538 to reserve your space.

Pelagia Special: Take a Invertebrate ID Workshop and get a 10% discount on a Fish ID workshop.

Prerequisites: The workshop is open to divers and non-divers alike. For the two dives and specialty rating, Open Water Certification is required.