Maldives June 2017: Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt. Ltd. are excited to announce a second marine conservation expedition in collaboration with Coral Reef CPR. From 10-17 September 2017 up to 20 recreational divers can join Chief Scientist Dr Andrew Bruckner and his team of researchers as they conduct a Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) removal, quantitative reef surveys, and data analysis while staying on board our Carpe Vita liveaboard cruise.
Furthering the research support Carpe Diem Maldives began with Coral Reef CPR last year, Director of Marketing and Operations Agnes Van Linden says, “We are thrilled to be part of this crucial marine environment research programme, conducting hands-on conservation to rescue and protect the reefs in The Maldives. Our guests, our crew and myself thoroughly enjoy working with Dr. Bruckner and his team. His extensive knowledge makes each dive all the more rewarding while at the same time acting on our responsibility to take care of our reefs.”
The first collaboration between Carpe Diem Maldives safari cruises and Coral Reef CPR saw a dedicated crown of thorns starfish removal in May 2017, involving seventeen recreational divers from nine countries. Over a one-week period the Carpe Diem safari vessel collected a total of 900 COTS from 15 reefs on North Malé and South Malé Atolls. The team was able to remove all of the starfish seen on twelve of the reefs, while three reefs with larger outbreaks require additional return clean-up efforts to fully eradicate these predatory starfish.
Expressing appreciation for the opportunity in May, Swedish diver Mr Blomfeldt said, “We really enjoyed the trip, it was something different. The workshop in the evening was interesting and it made the diving even more fun when you learn more about the environment and the fishes and it made us see the reefs in another perspective.”
To join September’s second dedicated “Dive with a Purpose” trip with Carpe Diem Maldives and Coral Reef CPR, divers must have an Advanced PADI qualification, excellent buoyancy control and ideally a minimum of 70 dives to assist with COTS removal. Priced at just USD 700 per person for the week, the trip from 10 – 17 September includes:
7 nights aboard Carpe Vita vessel
3 meals daily, plus between-dive snacks
Up to 4 dives daily (except for on day of arrival and day before departure) including one or two night dives
Use of tanks, weights and belts
Non alcoholic beverages
Airport transfers on the days of embarkation/disembarkation
Evening workshops on marine ecology, coral reef importance, marine life and more
On-board marine biologists
GST 12%
Divers with an avid marine conservation interest should not miss out on this unique opportunity to work alongside expert marine biologists. In coordination with Coral Reef CPR, an additional contribution of USD 150 p/p will be added to the final bill, payable before or at the end of the trip. For bookings and further information please visit https://carpediemmaldives.com/carpe-vita-rates-schedules/
About Coral Reef CPR
Coral Reef CPR is the outcome of 25 years of research to understand the causes of the global coral reef crisis. Our studies on novel coral diseases, outbreaks of coral predators, and storm damage led to the identification of concrete actions that can enhance the resilience and conservation of threatened coral reefs. Through better management of human activities we are working to ensure that coral reefs can continue to benefit humankind while maintaining the health of our oceans.
For more information, please visit their website at http://www.coralreefcpr.org/
Dr Andrew Bruckner, Chief Scientist
Coral Reef CPR Chief Scientist, Andrew has over 25 years’ experience working on coral reefs and has assisted worldwide on coral reef research, management, conservation and policy development. During his career, Andy’s work has led to the development of sustainable management approaches for the harvest of coral reef species, adoption of international conservation approaches and protection through CITES listings (seahorses, humphead wrasse, and corals), and listing of the corals (elkhorn coral and staghorn coral) on the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Over the last six years he developed and implemented the Global Reef Expedition (GRE), a comprehensive global-scale assessment of coral reefs that is providing science-based answers to enhance the conservation of coral reefs. In the Maldives, Andy is implementing a proactive climate change adaptation strategy involving innovative ecological restoration approaches that include control of pest species and rehabilitation strategies for coral reefs.
Georgia Coward, Coral Reef Ecologist
A coral reef ecologist from the UK, Georgia holds a BSc in Marine Zoology and an MSc in Marine Management. Specializing in the characterization of coral reef fishes, including the role they play in maintaining healthy reef systems and strategies to sustainably manage coral reef fisheries, Georgia has also been working in collaboration with Dr Andy Bruckner to protect coral reefs globally and promote awareness on their importance.
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