News
BRUVs Shark Research in Raja Ampat
Conservation International (CI)’s Mark Erdmann previously blogged about the Bird’s Head Seascape surpassing the milestone of 1750 reef fish species recorded, leaving no doubt as to where the global heart of marine biodiversity lies. The remote tropical islands of Raja Ampat, West Papua, are the epicenter of this marine richness, and may be a haven for shark diversity in particular – That’s what we’re in the process of finding out with Conservation International’s science and monitoring team, through an innovative shark research program.
Sharks are ancient animals and are important for healthy oceans, yet they are threatened with extinction. The people of Raja Ampat traditionally live harmoniously with nature, but outside threats are encroaching. Guardians of their natural heritage, local people, supported by international partner organizations CI and TNC, set up Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for conservation (Watch a tribute to the “Guardians of Raja Ampat”). Additionally, in 2012 the local government declared the entire region an official “Shark Sanctuary” through a law that protects all sharks and rays, as well as other charismatic key species, such as dugong, sea turtles and endemic species. This was a positive step in recognizing the benefits of healthy elasmobranch (cartilaginous fish, such as sharks and rays) populations for local communities, both economically and ecologically.
These management initiatives, combined with effective patrol & enforcement, and understanding shark populations, should help locals manage MPAs to protect these charismatic species, thus helping improve food security and alternative livelihoods through tourism. The mantanomics are sound, and the revenue that could be brought in by shark tourism is probably comparable.
Light Rays, Reflection – Blacktip Reef Shark
We are working to complete the final stage of a study to assess the current status of shark populations in the Raja Ampat archipelago – and will be making a second bid on collecting the data for the final piece of the puzzle, working together with Misool Eco Resort in the spring!
Research uses BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video) to analyze shark diversity and relative abundance between no-take and fished sites over depth gradients. This study provides baseline data to enable assessment of the impact of management efforts related to Patrol & Enforcement, and Outreach & Education, of both the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the Shark Sanctuary as a whole throughout Raja Ampat.
BRUV structures
The first field data collection trip was a great collaboration where we learned a lot and ultimately went exceedingly well. Despite many challenges, including rough weather and wild sea conditions, the disciplined, hard-working team completed monitoring at Wayag MPA, Dampier MPA and the Fam Islands. GoPro cameras were submerged in shallow, medium and deep waters at a minimum distance of 500m from one another, and left to record for one hour. In 15 days of surveying we successfully completed 470 camera drops – two more trips got the tally up to almost 1000, now including Ayau, Kofiau and Mayalibit Bay MPAs as well!
CI BRUV team
Although completing data analysis is taking longer than anticipated, preliminary reviews suggest that approximately 50% of the videos captured contain images of sharks. At least nine different species of shark were recorded, including the common black- and white-tip and grey reef sharks, tawny nurse shark, banded bamboo shark, and an exciting first for Raja Ampat (and thus a +1 for the Raja Ampat species count), Hemipristis elongata, more commonly known as the “Snaggle-toothed shark”.
Hemipristis elongata
Mobulas
In addition to the sharks, many other interesting and unexpected appearances on camera included mantas, mobulas, eagle rays, golden cow-nosed rays, turtles, spanner crabs and moray eels. We were disappointed to catch many remora without hosts on camera… and have come up with a new slogan for a “Shark Savers”campaign: Save the Sharks – the ramoras are getting lonely!
Remora
Onboard CI’s research vessel, the team also hosted the well-known TV presenter Riyanni Djangkaru and her Trans7 TV crew for two days, while they filmed our activities. Riyanni is actively supporting the nation-wide Save Sharks campaign, and we hope her effort to document the BRUV project in Raja Ampat will raise awareness throughout the country and be a positive force in the larger-scale shark conservation efforts.
Indonesia has the largest shark fishery in the world and is thus an important place to focus shark research and conservation efforts. The more we know about these cool, ancient animals, the better we can protect them. We hope that data from these surveys will help the campaign to protect sharks on a national level – much the same way we were able to convince the government to pass national legislation to protect manta rays a year ago.
Say CHEESE, Sharkies!!!
To view the project video click here: VIDEO
This project was a joint initiative between Conservation International (CI), the Raja Ampat government, RRU (Royal Roads University) and NSERC (The Canadian National Science and Engineering Research Council), in collaboration with Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Centre, Misool Eco Resort and Baseftin Foundation, local communities and with support from Walton Family Foundation, Allchin family’s Sunbridge Foundation, the Friend family’s Nicole Friend Memorial Trust. For a complete list see credits at end of video.
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
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As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
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info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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