Reef Check/Biosphere Expeditions EcoExpedition: Cayos Cochinos, Honduras

Expedition dates: 
February 28 – March 12, 2010
March 14 – 26, 2010
12 nights

Expedition cost: £1340

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 Oman 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

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.