Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt. Ltd. are excited to announce a second marine conservation expedition in collaboration with Coral Reef CPR. From 10-17 September, 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 the 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 hand’s-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 17 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 12 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.
Divers with an avid marine conservation interest should not miss out on this unique opportunity to work alongside expert marine biologists. In co-ordination 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, visit: https://carpediemmaldives.com/carpe-vita-rates-schedules/
About Coral Reef CPR
Chief Scientist Dr Andrew Bruckner, who has over 25 years’ experience working on coral reefs and has assisted worldwide on coral reef research, management, conservation and policy development, said: “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, visit the website: http://www.coralreefcpr.org/
