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Carpe Diem Maldives initiate ‘Rescue a Reef’ programme with October Marine Expedition

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Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt. Ltd. confirms its ongoing collaboration with American organisation Coral Reef CPR with the launch of its official CSR programme ‘Rescue a Reef’. Taking a concerted approach towards protecting and restoring the health of coral reefs and marine life in the Maldives, ‘Rescue a Reef’ invites guests to join marine expeditions on Carpe Diem’s liveaboard adventure cruises and encourages guest donations to support Coral Reef CPR’s work.

Amir Mansoor, Managing Director for Carpe Diem Maldives

In establishing the Rescue a Reef initiative, Carpe Diem Maldives confirms its continued support for Coral Reef CPR’s work, which began with research assistance in 2016. Managing Director for Carpe Diem Maldives, Amir Mansoor, says, “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,” explains 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 they 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.

Dr Andrew Bruckner, Chief Scientist from Coral Reef CPR

Speaking on the expanding partnership, Dr Bruckner says, “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 just USD 700 per person for the week, the trip from 22-29 October 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
  • 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
  • GST 12%

Divers with an avid marine conservation interest should not miss out on this unique opportunity to work alongside expert marine biologists. 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. For bookings and further information please visit https://carpediemmaldives.com/carpe-vita-rates-schedules.

 

Marine Life & Conservation

British duo compete to find world’s rarest sharks in Netflix reality series ‘All the Sharks’

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all the sharks

British shark specialists Dan Abbott and Sarah Roberts take to the seas in All the Sharks, a major new reality TV series on Netflix.

This six-part competition follows the pair as they go head-to-head against three teams across six stunning global locations, in pursuit of the world’s most elusive sharks. With points awarded for each species spotted, Dan and Sarah must seek out elusive and unusual sharks to stay ahead in the race.

Featuring rare encounters and firsthand accounts from those on the frontlines of marine conservation, All the Sharks is an action-packed, family-friendly series that combines intense competitor drama with heart-racing underwater adventures. Underwater cinematographer and UK shark guide Dan Abbott reflects: “This series has taken us to some of the remotest parts of the world, sharing the water with iconic species.

ALL THE SHARKS. Episode 6 of ALL THE SHARKS. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix, © 2025

The sharks we encountered are unique, misunderstood and many of them, completely unknown. Shining a spotlight on these incredible animals will help people appreciate them in a whole new way.” Eco journalist, author and presenter Sarah Roberts, says.

The pair are no strangers to global adventure, having collaborated closely for seven years, with Dan typically behind the camera and Sarah in front. Their projects have taken them from the icy Arctic to tiger tracking in Indonesia. Along the way, they’ve encountered alligators and venomous snakes. But this venture is regarded as their wildest yet.

Throughout filming, Dan and Sarah captured footage of as many rare sharks as possible, using their extensive experience to maintain a respectful approach to all shark encounters and ensure minimal disturbance.

The series arrives at a time of growing interest in shark conservation in UK waters, where sightings of basking and blue sharks are growing, making the British connection to these incredible animals more relevant than ever.

All the Sharks is streaming now on Netflix.

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Gear Reviews

BARE: 53 Years of Innovation

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bare sports

53 Years Deep

53 years ago, the idea for BARE was kindled in a small shop on the coast of British Columbia. Two passionate divers—hellbent on crafting a drysuit capable of surviving their frigid local waters—came together with a vision and a dream.

53 Years of Innovation

With every stitch, they innovated. Through every failure, they pushed. Not for profit, but for performance. To provide the sport of diving with equipment that fit better, functioned better—and lasted longer.

Ever since, BARE has continued to push, with innovations like their revolutionary Graphene Omnired® thermal technology, their impenetrable No-Stitch Technology, and their relentless dedication to Fit, Craftsmanship and Innovation.

More Than 5 Decades of Passion

Just like their founders over five decades ago, heart and passion drive every suit the BARE team make today. Because, like their founders, they don’t just make the suits—they dive in them. It’s this strong culture and unrelenting dedication that has transformed BARE from that small British Columbia shop into a truly global brand. And they’re just breaking the surface.

So whether you’re taking your first paddle strokes, or venturing out on a worldwide dive odyssey, BARE have the experience and know-how—53 years’ worth—to keep you safer and more comfortable in the water.

When you’re ready, BARE won’t be hard to find. They’ll be there—In Your Element—53 Years Deep.

www.baresports.com

Find a BARE Store

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Sea & Sea is the home of BARE and other Huish Outdoors diving brands in the UK.

 

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