Before any boat left the shore, the field team spent a full day in a classroom learning exactly what to do, step by step, when they reach a sampling point at sea.
The job in plain steps
The team was taught a clear routine for every point. First, the point is chosen in advance on a map. Second, the boat uses a smartphone with GPS to find it. Third, the exact position is written down, because waves move small boats around. Fourth, the water depth is measured using a small sounding tool or a rope marked with depth marks. Finally, an underwater camera is lowered to the seabed to take photos.
Those photos are what scientists later study to see what is down there - corals, sponges, sea grass, sand, rubble - and how healthy each patch is.
Who taught it
Dr. Rushingisha George, the lead consultant, walked the team through what kind of information the survey needs and why. Mr. Barakael Matulu, the project coordinator, then explained the actual steps and tools. Dr. Masumbuko Semba, who looks after the data, ran a short check-up test so the team could see what they already knew and what needed more practice.
Practising on dry land first
The team practised the easier steps - using the GPS, marking the position, recording depth - right there in the room. The harder step, lowering the camera, was saved for the next day at sea. The idea was simple: get the routine right on dry land before adding wind and waves.