Carpe Diem Maldives confirms its ongoing collaboration with American organisation Coral Reef CPR with the launch of its official CSR programme Rescue a Reef. Taking a concerted approach towards protecting and restoring the health of coral reefs and marine life in the Maldives, Rescue a Reef invites guests to join marine expeditions on Carpe Diem’s liveaboard adventure cruises and encourages guest donations to support Coral Reef CPR’s work.
In establishing the Rescue a Reef initiative, Carpe Diem Maldives confirms its continued support for Coral Reef CPR’s work, which began with research assistance in 2016. Managing Director for Carpe Diem Maldives, Amir Mansoor, said: “In our collaboration over the last 18 months, I’ve experienced first-hand how the marine biologists from Coral Reef CPR identify early on when nature is out of balance, investigate to find out the cause using their expertise and laboratory tests, and then implement scientific methods to help restore that balance, making it more robust for future events. Their methodology and scientific knowledge are among several reasons why Carpe Diem Maldives enjoys a productive collaboration with Coral Reef CPR, and we whole-heartedly support their HARP programme – Holistic Approach To Reef Protection.”
To officially launch the Rescue a Reef initiative, Carpe Diem Maldives will host its third marine expedition with Coral Reef CPR’s returning marine biologists Dr Andrew Bruckner and Georgia Coward in October 2017. The week-long expedition will target the house reef and surrounding areas of the company’s current resort development in Raa Atoll. “During our surveys of Raa and Baa Atoll we’ve seen an abnormally high number of cushion starfish. This is a concern, because these animals target juvenile cauliflower (Pocillopora) and staghorn (Acropora) corals, and these are the corals that are critical for a speedy recovery from last year’s bleaching event,“ explains Dr Andrew Bruckner, Chief Scientist from Coral Reef CPR.
From 22-29 October 2017, up to 20 recreational divers can join Chief Scientist Dr Andrew Bruckner and his team of researchers as they conduct a cushion starfish removal from reefs in Raa Atoll, carry out quantitative reef surveys, and data analysis while enjoying Carpe Diem’s hospitality on board Carpe Vita liveaboard cruise.
To join the October marine expedition, divers must have an Advanced PADI qualification, excellent buoyancy control and ideally a minimum of 70 dives.
