Reef Check EcoExpedition: Maldives Manta Trip

Expedition dates: August 19 – 26, 2010

Expedition cost: $2,800

Introduction:
Hosted by Reef Check Board Members, Richard Woulfe and Sue Chen, a portion of this trip's proceeds will be donated to Reef Check.

Experience hundreds of mantas on this trip aboard the beautiful MV Orion!

North to Baa and Hanifaru Bay
Thursday, August 19 (9am) to Thursday, August 26, 2010 (8am)

Includes:
7 days of diving, accommodations, meals, guiding, tanks and weights, transfers to boat from airport, and Nitrox

Excludes:
Extensions to Sipadan, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, International Air, Alcohol, pre and post hotel/resort nights, on board massage, dive equipment, gratuities and other discretionary purchases.

Deposit : $800
Final payment of $2000 due June 19, 2010

Email Richard Woulfe for more information richtravelsnow@gmail.com

Reef Check/Biosphere Expeditions EcoExpedition: Musandam, Oman

Expedition Dates:
October 10 – 16, 2010
October 17 – 26, 2010
6 nights

Expedition cost: £1,090

Introduction:
These SCUBA diving conservation volunteer holidays will take you to the United Arab Emirates and from there to the remote and mountainous Musandam peninsula of Oman. There you will study the diverse coral reefs fringing the areas where the mountains plunge into the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This is a pioneering study to map this currently unprotected underwater environment. The reefs boast a rich mixture of beautiful corals and a multitude of fish and other animals. Data on the current biological status of the reefs and of population levels of key indicator species are therefore crucial for educational purposes and to be able to put forward ideas for future marine protection areas. Data collection follows an internationally recognised coral reef monitoring programme, called Reef Check, and will be used to make informed management and conservation decisions within the area. The expedition includes certification as a Reef Check EcoDiver. With this certification you are also eligible to apply for PADI or NAUI Reef Check Speciality Course certification. Please note that you need to be a fully qualified diver to take part in this expedition (minimum PADI Open Water or equivalent).

For more information about the Oman EcoExpedition and how to sign up, please visit:
Website: http://www.biosphere-expeditions.org/1-week-projects/scuba-diving-conservation-volunteer-holidays-working-on-coral-reefs-in-musandam.html

Click here to read Reef Check Executive Director Dr. Gregor Hodgson's trip report from October 2008.

Reef Check/Biosphere Expeditions EcoExpedition: Cayos Cochinos, Honduras

Expedition dates: 
March 6 – March 18, 2011
March 20 – April 1, 2011
12 nights

Expedition cost: £1,390

Introduction:
Biosphere Expeditions promotes sustainable conservation of the planet’s wildlife by involving the public in real hands-on wildlife research and conservation expeditions alongside scientists who are at the forefront of conservation work. In Honduras, Biosphere Expeditions is surveying the coral reefs of the Cayos Cochinos marine protected area, in the Bay Island Archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, and will be employing the Reef Check survey protocols and adding the data to Reef Check’s global database.

Expedition members must be at least PADI Open Water (or equivalent) scuba certified to take part in this expedition but will be trained in diving and survey techniques. Additional training for Reef Check certification is available for those keen on seizing the opportunity in this great locale. The base is the well-equipped Honduras Coral Reef Foundation scientific station on a small coral cay island accessible only to research personnel; accommodation is in comfortable, spacious wooden bungalow cabins by the beach with a lounge, toilets and showers.

The Cayos Cochinos form part of the world’s second largest barrier reef system, known as the Meso-American Barrier Reef, and have been identified as one of the key sections of the barrier reef system to preserve. Data from this survey will be compared to that of other parts of the Meso-American Barrier Reef System and to reefs worldwide.

For more information about the Honduras EcoExpedition and how to sign up, please visit:
Website: http://www.biosphere-expeditions.org/2-week-expeditions/scuba-diving-conservation-volunteer-holidays-working-on-coral-reefs-in-honduras-cari.html