Marine Life & Conservation
Marine Megafauna Foundation launches diving expeditions
Join Andrea Marshall on MMF’s first dive expedition in Mozambique
The Marine Megafauna Foundation – a charity that aims to save threatened marine life – has unveiled new scuba diving expeditions to Mozambique where guests can join MMF’s co-founder Andrea Marshall and her team of scientists in their vital conservation research.
On this exciting expedition, divers will be able to explore the coast of Mozambique: one of the wildest and most breathtaking locations to encounter ocean giants like whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays.
Not only will guests have the unique opportunity to dive and interact with these graceful and inquisitive creatures, they will also gain in depth knowledge about the species and contribute to research by helping to collect ID photos of the animals they encounter. For example each manta has a unique spot pattern on its underside that can be used to identify an individual, just like a fingerprint. By keeping photographic records of mantas, scientists can build a photographic catalogue of the population that can tell us about individuals and the population as a whole.
During the expedition, guests will learn how to:
-
Interact with whale sharks and manta rays without disrupting their natural behaviour
-
Identify the maturity of an individual animal and distinguish between males and females
-
Recognize different types of manta/shark/whale behavior
-
Take identification photos
-
Record environmental conditions
-
Process and organize ID photos
-
Identify different individuals using their unique spot patterns
Research presentations will give guests a greater insight into the biology, ecology and behavior of ocean giants such as Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, outline global threats to them and describe research and conservation efforts around the world.
The exclusive expedition, which runs from 23-31 August 2018 and is available from 3,280.00 USD per person not including flights, can accommodate five guests.
The itinerary includes:
-
23 August (Arrival Day): Guests arrive in the afternoon and prepare for an early start the next day. Optional group dinner to get to know the other expedition participants and your guide, Anna Flam
-
24-25 August – Bazaruto: Double tank dives on both days led by MMF’s co-founder Andrea Marshall. If conditions allow, one day will be spent diving at 2 mile and the other at San Sebastian (experienced divers only). Possible sightings include: Mobula Cleaning station (one of the two known ones worldwide), turtles, reef sharks. MMF Co-Founder will join the dives on these days and will also give an exclusive private talk on her world-class research program. Accommodation in Vilanculos
-
26 August – Vilanculos to Tofo: Departing Vilanculos in the morning to drive to Tofo Beach with a dive in the afternoon
-
27, 28 & 29 August – Tofo: Diving the sites where MMF’s founder Andrea Marshall started her research on manta rays. Double dives will be scheduled but guests have the option of substituting one for land work with MMF’s marine research team if they are interested. Tofo and the surrounding areas offer lots of deep dive site, which makes for a great opportunity to see “big stuff” such as: whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and more…
-
30 August – non-diving day in Tofo: On the day before departure, guests will enjoy an Ocean Safari which is the perfect opportunity to see the breaching humpback whales which come to Tofo during this time of year
-
31 August – Departure to Vilanculos.
Photo: Anna Flam, Marine Megafauna Foundation
In Bazaruto, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to dive with MMF’s Co-Founder Andrea Marshall – aka “Queen of Mantas.” Andrea was the first person in the world to complete a PhD on manta rays and has dedicated her life to the preservation and management of the manta ray population in Mozambique. Now a global ambassador for manta rays, Andrea continues to pursue international conservation initiatives for manta rays and fight for their protection worldwide.
In Tofo, the trip will be led by MMF’s Manta Researcher Anna Flam who, over the past four years with MMF, has been collecting vital information on manta ray population size, structure and connectivity. Her data can be used to further understand populations and guide the development of management and conservation strategies. Anna is also the global coordinator for MantaMatcher.org.
Anna Flam, MMF’s Manta Researcher, said: “Our new dive expeditions offer the unique opportunity of interacting with Mozambique’s stunning ocean giants while assisting MMF’s researchers in their vital conservation work. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip, not only for the world-class diving but also for the exclusive access you’ll have to our scientists. We’re looking forward to welcoming our first group of divers to our beautiful home here in Mozambique!”
For more information or to book your place on this trip of a lifetime, please visit: https://marinemegafaunafoundation.org/dive-moz/.
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
-
News3 months agoHone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News3 months agoCapturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs2 months agoCreature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs2 months agoMurex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs2 months agoDiver Discovering Whale Skeletons Beneath Ice Judged World’s Best Underwater Photograph
-
Gear Reviews2 months agoGear Review: Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoSave the Manatee Club launches brand new webcams at Silver Springs State Park, Florida
-
News3 months agoWorld’s Best Underwater Photographers Unveil Breathtaking Images at World Shootout 2023