Theoretical training in the FAST protocol

Today, divers from the Club d'Exploration Sous-Marine de Monaco (CESMM) and outside the club followed theoretical training on the participatory science protocol: FAST (Fish Assemblage Sampling Technique).

This protocol is a sampling technique for fish populations based on a specific list made up of around thirty species. This method was developed and implemented by Professor Patrice Francour and his colleagues in the 2000s.

The species monitored are key species, some are located at the top of the food chain or are targets of recreational or professional fishing. Monitoring their presence and size in an area allows us to know the state of health of the entire food chain.

These are species with a well-defined function, their presence indicates that this function is accomplished, therefore that the food chain is not broken.

If you want to become a “Fasteur” a next training session will take place this summer to allow you to apply this protocol in the Marine Protected Areas of Monaco, in other Monegasque sites and in French sites.

We thank last night's participants again for the interest they showed!

For your information, another theoretical training on the SeaScape protocol will take place on Thursday June 9 at 6:45 p.m. via the zoom platform. This protocol makes it possible to evaluate the landscape index of a diving site based on physical, aesthetic, biological and anthropogenic criteria. It is complementary to the FAST protocol.