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Marine Life & Conservation

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

Published

7 years ago

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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.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

Published

3 weeks ago

on

November 1, 2024

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After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.

People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:

https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction

It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.

The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.

One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.

Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:

https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24

Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.

Find out more here:

https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31

 Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”

Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction

Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden

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Marine Life & Conservation

Meet Steve Backshall in the Bite-Back Prize Draw

Published

1 month ago

on

October 21, 2024

By

steve backshall

Until 28 November, prizes worth a massive £10,000 – including experiences, products and tuition – feature in a line-up of items that can be won for £5 in an online prize draw to celebrate Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation’s 20th anniversary and help generate crucial funds for the future.

Top of the list of prizes is the chance to spend time with adventurer and wildlife expert Steve Backshall, a workout session with Nat Geo star Aldo Kane, a kayaking trip alongside white-water expert and diver Sal Montgomery and a Zoom call with ‘shark whisperer’ Cristina Zenato.

On top of that, some of the most admired companies in the diving and scuba industry have been quick to support the charity with fabulous prizes that make the £5 ticket price worth more than just a flutter.

Master Liveaboards, BSAC, Midlands Diving Chamber, Go Freediving and Blue Shark Snorkel have all generously donated experience prizes, while celebrated photographer Alex Mustard has donated a print and artists Scott Gleed and Olivier Leger have donated a sculpture and illustration to help boost the fundraising pot.

Fourth Element has donated Ocean Positive gear and LA watch company Nodus has gifted the charity a stunning dive watch. For land lovers, the charity has included a five star London hotel stay at Bankside Hotel plus a family visit to Longleat Safari Park in the roster of prizes.

Campaign director for Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with support from companies and individuals that we truly admire and who have supported us on our 20 year journey and we’re truly grateful to them all. While we feel incredibly proud of our achievements over the past two decades – and we are super excited about the next chapter – this prize draw isn’t a vanity project. It represents a real lifeline to our work and important advancements in the global protection of sharks. So we hope divers, dive clubs and even bargain hunters grab some tickets to make this a massive success.”

The charity hopes that the prize draw will generate crucial funds to launch a brand new, ground-breaking, campaign to enrol the public and increase support for the protection of sharks around the world.

To enter the competition visit www.bite-back.com/prizedraw. The prize winners will be announced on 1 December 2024.

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