Subtidal Marine Research (SMR)

Mike Guardino

He has logged over 3200 dives and a large percentage of his time underwater has been spent right here in Monterey Bay. Mike has been a school teacher for 25 years and has taught marine biology and Subtidal Marine Research (SMR) for the last 20 years. For the past 12 years he has taught SMR at Carmel High School. In addition to basic open water training Mike requires each student to complete an independent research project and to demonstrate Kelp Forest Monitoring Techniques, Reef Check Protocols as well as many techniques used by Dr. Watanabe at Hopkins Marine Station. He says that he and his students are in the water every weekend from August to June and they come home tired but excited about the things they have discovered.

Mike is well known to many members of MPUP and you’ll be in for a treat. He has had many unusual experiences underwater and will tell us a few stories about some of the fun and not so fun things he has gone through. He will also bring us up to date about the SMR training he is giving at Carmel High and has invited a few of his students to participate in the program.

Mike is a very active member of the diving community and enjoys sharing his love of the sea with others.