Pro Dive Cairns Launches Conservation Program
Two young divers from Denmark and Australia have kicked off a new Marine Conservation Program initiative led by Pro Dive Cairns in cooperation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and No Limit Adventures.
Sally Turner from Melbourne and Asmu Hansen from Denmark had the honour of being the program’s first participants. Based on GBRMPA’s established Rapid Monitoring Program, the new consumer participation Marine Conservation Program will assist GBRMPA’s work with identifying early warning signs of environmental issues and monitoring the overall health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Pro Dive Cairns General Manager, Paul Lim said, “By offering this program, we are not only satisfying the growing interest in conservation based experiences, but enabling participants to contribute in an enjoyable and meaningful way to a recognised program, as well as increasing diving experience and skills. Ultimately we want our participants to come away with a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of the Great Barrier Reef and of the work being conducted to ensure the reef’s sustainability for years to come.”
For Sally and Asmu, the course was a meaningful way to reinforce marine biology studies and the desire to contribute to conservation.
Under the guidance of Pro Dive Cairns’ trained course guide, Lucy Mustoe, both Sally and Asmu completed a total of eight research dives of the set 11 certified dives during their 3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard Dive trip. On each dive participants were able to observe iconic reef species and using survey charts, record and monitor the overall health of the reef. A portion of the time was spent counting specific marine species as well as looking for an area that seemed a typical representation for that particular site. Once selected, this area was then mapped and closely inspected to record the general condition and health of the coral and seabed. After each dive, these findings were discussed and recorded on forms which were later submitted to the reef park managers at GBRMPA.
The Marine Conservation Program also includes several information workshops with the use of information guidebooks, presentations throughout the trip as well as referring to several modules on how to recognise fish and coral health. Upon the completion of the program each participant was presented with a certificate.
For further information on Pro Dive Cairns and the conservation projects they run email info@prodivecairns.com or visit www.prodivecairns.com.
