New EcoExpedition to Myanmar

Reef Check/ECoSwiss EcoExpedition: Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

Expedition dates:  April 10 – 19, 2013
9 nights

Expedition cost: $2,000

Introduction:
ECoSwiss welcomes all passionate divers who care about corals and conservation to join the Reef Check Expedition to our study area in Myanmar! This project is part of our trans-border MABR conservation programme and promotes international collaboration on nature conservation and awareness. We particularly encourage recreational divers to join reef scientists in the first extended expedition to survey the basic health of the coral reefs around the Bada Island group. Burmese, Thai and international divers and scientists are warmly welcome!

Location:
10 days expedition onboard MV Thai Sea, from 10 to 19 April 2013. We’ll explore and collect data at our study area, the Bada Island group (about 12 islands) in the southern part of the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar.

Aims:1.To collect information on coral reef health status and composition in the study area (Bada group of islands)
2.To train Myanmar, Thai and international divers and researchers in Reef Check survey methodology

Activities:
•Up to 3 dives per day including 1-2 Reef Check surveys in unusual dive sites and additional recreational dives (day & night). Coral reef surveys include identification of substrate, fish & invertebrates
•Wherever possible, manta tow surveys for coral distribution mapping and estimation of coverage of different ecosystems
•Theory classes on Reef Check methodology and marine biology
•Entry and evaluation of collected data on board. These data are submitted to the global database

Special requirements:
This expedition focuses on Reef Check surveys. The minimum requirement for participants is a diving certification (PADI, SSI, etc.) and an excellent buoyancy.

For more information about the Myanmar EcoExpedition and how to sign up, please visit:
Website: http://www.ecoswiss.org/mabr-programme/reefcheck-expedition-april-2013/