Diving for Science : Aquarena Center : Texas State University

Live Web Cam of Deep Hole (click here)

Fox 7 News Austin (more underwater videos) of & Vice President of Engineering and Operations, Shawn O'Shea have donated a web cam to Aquarena Center. The Web Cam installed in Deep Hole, the deepest part of Spring Lake, gives viewers from all over the world can have an "in depth" look at the timeless beauty of the San Marcos river and springs.

Habitat Conservation of the San Marcos Springs

Diving at Aquarena, for any reason, is complicated by the delicate nature of the environment. Declared a "Critical Habitat" in 1980, Spring Lake is home to eight federally listed species and is governed by the rules and regulations of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. In addition, Spring Lake is registered as an Archaeological site governed by the rules of the state of Texas Antiquities Law. Consequently there is no recreational diving in Spring Lake. The Diving for Science authorization course was developed to protect and preserve the unique and special aquatic environment.
Aquarena's Diving for Science program is a great way for divers to get to dive in the cleanest and clearest water in Texas and at the same time get to become involved in one of the largest habitat restoration projects in the country.

Diving for Science at Aquarena
To register for the Diving for Science authorization course contact Eric Peterson. Once the course is completed individuals have the opportunity to participate in the many educational, research and conservation projects that occur throughout the year. Our Scientific Diving Program helps assure that all diving operations in Spring Lake are procedurally safe as well as environmentally sensitive. Once certified, divers have limitless opportunities to participate in our Volunteer Diving Program.

Scientific Diver Authorization Course
Weekly - Two days: Saturday & Sunday
This two day course focuses on The Edwards Aquifer, the Habitat, Endangered Species, Archaeology, State & Federal Regulations governing Spring Lake and advanced diving techniques to ensure protection of this critical habitat.

Research Dives
Once a diver receives authorization to dive in the lake by completing the authorization class, that diver is eligible to participate in research dives. Aquarena Center will maintain an updated list of research projects and diving requirements. The purpose: to match available divers to the diving needs of an appropriate research project.

LEVEL 1

Diving for Science Authorization Course

$230

Contact Eric Peterson for more information.

CLASS Dates

Sign up at a "Host Dive Store" in your area.

Underwater Archaeology

Layne Hedrick (liquidtravel.org) is again teaching this popular course. Layne's focus is the archaeology as it relates to Aquarena.

August 23rd & 24th

Again, sign up with a "host Dive Store' in your area, or contact Eric Peterson for details. The price is $230.00

Underwater Naturalist

Mary Wicksten (Texas A & M University Biology professor) will be teaching this course. This course provides an advanced focus on the flora and fauna in Spring Lake. This is also a great way to increase your underwater gardening skills! The prices for this class is $100. For more information contact: Eric Peterson

Underwater Digital Photography

David Eaton (WetDigital.com) will again instruct our Volunteer Divers in the art and science of Underwater Photography at Aquarena. Underwater photography is an important part of what we do at Aquarena.

Again, sign up with a "Host Dive Store" in your area, or contact Eric Peterson for more details. The price is $230.00

Diving for Science Authorization Class

Underwater Naturalist

Underwater Archaeology

Underwater Photography

Public Safety Diver: Law Enforcement Only-Contact Eric Peterson for more information