News
Carpe Diem Maldives launches Dive with a Purpose Marine Expedition
Carpe Diem Maldives are excited to announce a second marine conservation expedition in collaboration with Coral Reef CPR. From 10-17 September 2017 up to twenty 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 Carpe Vita liveaboard.
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.”
Coral Reef CPR Chief Scientist Dr Andrew Bruckner
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 click here.
Find out more about Coral Reef CPR here.
Marine Life & Conservation
Steve Backshall to headline Shark Trust’s flagship event: For the Love of Sharks
Join a host of amazing, shark loving, speakers including Steve Backshall and the Shark Trust team for an evening celebrating shark conservation at the Royal Geographical Society in London this November.
Date: 29th November 2024
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Royal Geographical Society, London
Tickets: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
The event will be a celebration of all things shark. Those lucky enough to get hold of tickets will hear from engaging guest speakers with a passion for sharks.
The line-up includes (*subject to change if unforeseen circumstances arise)
Steve Backshall: One of television’s busiest presenters, BAFTA award-winning wildlife expert Steve has been passionate about the wild world ever since he was young.
Steve’s impressive TV career has taken him all around the world, investigating a wide array of species and environments. Steve has filmed over 100 hours of children’s wildlife programmes with the BAFTA award winning Deadly 60 franchise and recently, with Sky Nature, for his new series ‘Whale with Steve Backshall’. He has been a patron for the Shark Trust for 10 years.
Simon Rogerson: is a photojournalist specialising in natural history, diving and the sea.
He is editor of SCUBA magazine, the official journal of the British Sub-Aqua Club. Simon started his career as a crime reporter but gravitated towards his ‘less depressing’ interest in underwater exploration, joining the staff of DIVE magazine in 1999. In 2005 he was named ‘Editor of the Year’ in the PPA’s Independent Publishing Awards. Simon also works as a freelance writer, contributing frequently to the Sunday Times and Telegraph, in addition to BBC Wildlife, Esquire, and a host of international diving magazines. He is the author of a book, Dive Red Sea, published by Ultimate Sports. Now based in Berkshire, Simon has been a Patron of the Shark Trust for 20 years.
More speakers to be announced soon. Head to the Shark Trust website to learn more.
The evening will also allow guests the final chance to see the Oceanic 31, shark art exhibition. Some of the artwork will be auctioned/raffled at the event, while the rest will be auctioned online to raise money for the Shark Trust Oceanic Programme.
For the Love of Sharks is an evening with something for everyone who is interested and fascinated by sharks. Join the Shark Trust, their Patrons, Trustees and Staff, along with a host of supporters for this celebration of shark conservation.
For more information or to buy a ticket: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
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