Orchestrated by Septentrion Environment, POLARIS is a citizen science platform for underwater observation. Through this system, we collect data and share it on the platform. In doing so, we contribute to research and scientific understanding of marine flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. All of this is made possible through citizen science dives.

Why talk about it?

Today, the Yellow Boat has committed to participating in the collection of this data. Thanks to our instructor Sandra Greck, a POLARIS ambassador, we have been able to train our instructors to guide all types of recreational divers in collecting data.

How does it work?

It's simple! We organize a dive trip once a month. It's an exploration with a theme depending on the chosen protocol: Coral Alert, Cigesmed for Divers or Fish Visual Census.

Today, we are launching the "Coral Alert" protocol. This is a data collection protocol for monitoring the health of gorgonians in the Mediterranean. To participate, simply contact us.

During this outing, you'll receive a comprehensive one-hour briefing on the "Coral Alert" protocol and access to tools such as various counting boards for tracking gorgonians and monitoring their mortality. During the debriefing with the instructor, you'll be able to enter the collected data into the POLARIS app!

These species are very sensitive to warming waters. It is worthwhile to organize these outings several times a year to monitor the evolution of their health between seasons.

These citizen observations, in addition to scientific studies, help monitor their health. Regular, long-term monitoring allows for early warning of potential new mortality events and tracks the resilience of affected colonies.

For whom?

All recreational divers are welcome to participate in these citizen science projects. Each protocol has its own specific characteristics, and it is important to understand them to assess the accessibility of these citizen observations.
We recommend having a good level of diving (at least PE40) and good control of one's buoyancy to access the POLARIS device, confirm the reliability of the data and not damage the seabed.

Let's all become active participants in underwater protection 🙂