News
Deptherapy Veterans help to guide coral reef conservation in Chuuk Lagoon
Back in August 2018, a team of UK Veterans from the charity Deptherapy & Deptherapy Education, supported by Coral Cay Conservation (CCC), headed to Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia, to collect critical ecological data from the Shinkoku Maru, a shipwrecked World War II vessel.
The expedition was part of the wider effort by Deptherapy following the launch of their “Protecting our Oceans” campaign where the charity’s members ‘give back’ to the Oceans that have given so much to them. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the plight of the world’s oceans and for Deptherapy programme members to make their own practical contribution to environmental protection.
Following extensive training at ROOTS Red Sea in May 2018, the Deptherapy team set out to undertake preliminary data collection protocols through SCUBA to ecologically map the fauna and benthic community residing on the Shinkoku Maru. The data, and subsequent report, downloadable below, are to be delivered to resource managers and government bodies in Chuuk lagoon, to provide greater ecological clarity and evidence to facilitate management practices.
Deptherapy expedition members utilise their training to identify the colourful benthic fauna encrusting shipwrecks in Chuuk Lagoon – Photo: Dmitry Knyazev
The resulting scientific report from the expedition, authored by CCC’s Head of Science, Tom Dallison, and Ben Lee, and supported by Bear Grylls OBE, highlights, notably, that personnel suffering from various physical and mental ailments hold the ability to undertake such studies and that efforts to conserve our Oceans are accessible to all; overcoming the barriers associated with the rigorous physical demands of undertaking scientific data collection protocols through SCUBA.
“This is all about enabling Armed Forces’ Veterans to take action against the plights suffered by our Oceans. It is an inspired and brilliant collaboration and I am proud to be involved.”
Bear Grylls OBE – Global Adventurer
The coral reefs of the Pacific region, including the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Chuuk Lagoon, are in relatively good health and account for approximately 25% of the world’s coral reefs making the region a diver’s paradise! Chuuk Lagoon is one of the worlds largest lagoons, composed of over 2,000km2 of coral reef and lagoon habitat (with an additional 200km barrier reefs), and is an important bio-geographical link between the Coral Triangle and other Pacific island groups. In addition to boasting some of the most extensive coral reef systems in Micronesia, Chuuk Lagoon also has a rich military history and is well known amongst the dive community as the lagoon hosts approximately 50-60 WWII shipwrecks, including 12 aircraft wrecks. One of these shipwrecks, and the wreckage assessed by Deptherapy team members, is the Shinkoku Maru which is a large Japanese oil tanker, found between 11 – 37m.
Benthic fauna that occupy many of the shipwrecks throughout Chuuk Lagoon – Photo: Dmitry Knyazev
In addition to the localised physical impacts to coral reefs caused by WWII, the lagoon has continued to experience severe environmental impacts through overfishing, pollution and rising ocean temperatures. Derelict vessels have often been utilised, or intentionally positioned to compensate for natural reef habitat loss and the loss of biodiversity, with evidence presenting high levels of diversity and fish biomass. However, evidence further suggests that, in fact, derelict vessels or shipwrecks support distinct reef-associated fish and benthic communities, possibly increasing an area’s resilience to environmental impacts. As such, Deptherapy’s assessment provides insight into the current ecological status of the Shinkoku Maru wreckage delivering incentives to the dive tourism industry and contributing to conservation efforts in the region.
In order to effectively assess the ecological community of the Shinkoku Maru, the wreck was split into two segments (Bow and Mid-section) to record fish diversity and abundance data. The wreck was then further split into three segments (Bow, Mid, Stern-section) to record the relative composition of benthic substrates that included Hard Coral and the respective lifeform (branching, massive and sub-massive etc.).
A Deptherapy team member with an adapted prosthetic limb diving in Chuuk Lagoon amongst the incredible biodiversity of the Pacific region – Photo: Dmitry Knyazev
Fishes were recorded as an exposure rate (per minute) by the Deptherapy team with Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) recorded in the greatest abundance, followed by the Eastern Triangle Butterflyfish (Chaetodon baronessa). Throughout the assessment of the wreck, the survey team were also greeted by 12 Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and one turtle!
The exposure rates and diversity of fishes was a positive find for Deptherapy with an abundance of marine life found across the entire wreckage. Following the sizing (cm) of each individual fish, it was found that species were dominated by smaller individuals, often an indication of overfishing as the majority of larger fish are removed by fisherfolk. The sizing of individual fishes enabled the Deptherapy team to calculate biomass (kg) which was found to differ between each section of the wreck indicating that specific areas were favoured by particular species, possibly driven by refuge or prey availability.
Assessments of the benthic community found that Hard Corals covered approximately 25% of the wreckage with a fairly homogeneous distribution across the entire wreck proving both positive from an ecological perspective and touristic potential as, due to the range of depths, divers of all abilities can enjoy the diverse corals of the vessel. The lifeform of the recorded Hard Coral was also found to be homogeneous further supporting the wreck’s accessibility and ecological value.
The abundance of a seemingly even distribution and diversity of Hard Corals on the Shinkoku Maru wreck, as well as the presence of specialised obligate corallivorous butterflyfish species and apex predators, such as Whitetip Reef Sharks, indicates that the community associated with the Shinkoku Maru wreck is in good ecological status, proving positive for the ecological characteristics and services of the survey area as well as for tourism. However, low levels of biomass and the dominance of smaller individuals should be investigated further.
Deptherapy launch their “Protecting Our Oceans” campaign in Chuuk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in August 2018 – Photo: Dmitry Knyazev
Deptherapy Programme Member Ben Lee summarised the Chuuk Lagoon expedition and the achievement by the survey team:
“Completing the study was a massive achievement for the Deptherapy team, not only because we had accomplished our set aims in Truk [Chuuk], but also proved to the world that we, as disabled veterans, missing limbs and having mental health issues, can conduct our own conservation-orientated studies and help in the protection of our Oceans; a pledge we have made through our Protecting Our Oceans Campaign.”
Download the full report, entitled “Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia; a 2018 Ecological Assessment of the Shinkoku Maru Wreck – 2019″. If you have any further queries about the report or the organisations involved, you can contact Coral Cay Conservation or Deptherapy for further information.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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