Marine Life & Conservation
Marine Megafauna Foundation launches its 2019 Dive Expedition Portfolio
Go Deeper with a Marine Biologist as Your Dive Buddy
The Marine Megafauna Foundation – a charity that aims to save threatened marine life – has unveiled dates of its 2019 scuba diving expeditions to Mozambique where guests can join expert marine biologists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation and get hands on with ground-breaking research.
On these adventurous expedition for advanced divers, you’ll explore the southern coast of Mozambique, one of the world’s most sought-after diving locations, and visit sites not open to the public. Mozambique is home to a unique ecosystem; possible sightings include a mobula cleaning station (one of two known worldwide), turtles, dolphins, humpback whales and reef sharks.
The exclusive 7-day expeditions, which run from 15-23 June 2019 and 17-25 August 2019 are available from £2,550 per person or £2,250 each for two guests not including flights. The expedition can accommodate up to five guests so your trip is as intimate as your megafauna encounters.
Guests will have the chance to get hands-on with ground-breaking research by taking ID photos during boat-based and aerial surveys. Both mantas and whale sharks have spot patterns as unique as a fingerprint, allowing us to build a photographic catalog that tells us about individuals and the population. You’ll also learn to identify an animal’s maturity and gender and record environmental conditions.
You’ll also have the opportunity to gain deeper knowledge – because even the most experienced divers have a lot to learn about life in the ocean. This is a unique chance to learn the secrets of MMF’s marine biologists, who have spent 15 years studying ocean giants, and find out everything you’ve always been curious about. Fascinating private talks will reveal the biology, ecology and behavior of manta rays and whale sharks, outline global threats to them and describe research and conservation efforts around the world.
During the expedition, guests will learn how to:
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Interact with whale sharks and manta rays without disrupting their natural behaviour
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Identify the maturity of an individual animal and distinguish between males and females
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Recognize different types of manta/shark/whale behavior
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Take identification photos
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Record environmental conditions
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Process and organize ID photos
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Identify different individuals using their unique spot patterns
You can also take part in extra activities outside of the water such as Tofo Life, a remarkable experience where you’ll meet locals in a nearby village, see their way of life and make a traditional dish with them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tw1VAp3LnM
Your MEGA Expedition will fund MMF’s vital research and help to save ocean giants from extinction. As well as our pioneering conservation work, we have an education program called Nemos Pequenos (Little Nemos) that is inspiring the next generation of Ocean Guardians. By booking this trip of a lifetime, you’ll be changing lives both in and out of the ocean in Mozambique.
For more information or to book your place on this trip of a lifetime, please click here.
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.
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