Carpe Diem Maldives Invites Divers to Help “Rescue a Reef”

Carpe Diem Maldives and Coral Reef CPR have launched a CSR programme designed to help protect and restore the health of coral reefs and marine life in Maldives.

The “Rescue a Reef” project invites guests to join marine expeditions on Carpe Diem’s liveaboard adventure cruises and encourages guest donations to support Coral Reef CPR’s work.

Carpe Diem Maldives’ support for Coral Reef CPR’s work first 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 Pvt Ltd. 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 years bleaching event,” said 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  hey 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.

Speaking on the expanding partnership, Dr Bruckner said, “We’re thrilled at this long term commitment from Carpe Diem Maldives. It is always wonderful when a company responsibly embraces a pro-active approach to environmental protection and conservation. Engaging with their guest divers over the last year is inspiring for us as we believe that education is at the forefront of successful coral reef conservation. Raising awareness on the critical importance of reefs and tangible actions that can be taken to ensure that these ecosystems continue to support the abundance of marine life and provide benefits to humans, is key to the future of the Maldives.”

The first dedicated crown of thorns starfish removal in May 2017 involved seventeen recreational divers from nine countries. The divers worked with Carpe Diem and Coral Reef CPR to collect a total of 900 COTS from 15 reefs on North Malé and South Malé Atolls over a one-week period. A second expedition is already planned and fully booked for September 2017. With an increasing number of enquiries for alternative dates, the demand for such marine expeditions is showing encouraging signs.

To join the October marine expedition and launch of Carpe Diem Maldives “Rescue a Reef” CSR programme, divers must have an Advanced PADI qualification, excellent buoyancy control and ideally a minimum of 70 dives. Priced from US$ 700 per person for the week, the trip from 22-29 October includes:

• 7 nights aboard Carpe Vita vessel (pictured above);
• 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;
• Complimentary coffee, tea and drinking water;
• Airport transfers on the days of embarkation/disembarkation;
• Evening workshops on marine ecology, coral reef importance, marine life and more;
• On-board marine biologists; and
• GST 12%

To support the work of 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.

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