PARTNERS - UPDATE

CONFLICT ISLANDS CONSERVATION INITIATIVE

Objective - protection, conservation & awareness of the ecosystems & the species within the Conflict Islands

The Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative (CICI) is based on the Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea. No cases are reported in these areas which is great, but as its a flight from Port Morseby of just over one hour by plane then a 12-hour boat ride, so they are reliant on cruise ship tourism to support their operations which in turn supports the local economy as they employ local PNG people.

• Turtle season will start in November
• Scheduled dive trip with PDT in October & December 2021 
  
• The resort is opening up local stays on its island - contact us if you're interested

In 2020 they had a really good season with tagged 119 turtles, relocated 132 clutches and released 13,672 hatchlings to the sea.

They will need you help for this coming season

GALAPAGOS SHARK DIVE

Objective - increase baseline whale shark data & create a rudimentary understanding of their life cycle, to learn how to protect them better.

Currently, the team is based in Ecuador the jumping-off point for their Shark Dive Trips to the Galapagos Islands.

The vessel they work with is local run, well maintained and will be coming back online once the borders are open again. They have :

• reduced the Terms & Conditions to no deposit & payment 60 days from departure
• Increased videos on Youtube
• Virtual Reality on their videos
• New material released each day
• July 1st is the scheduled Galapagos Islands opening day

Support is needed for these trips as it helps the local economy & of course, it supports the research of the Whale Sharks in this area.

The 2020 expedition & research trips went ahead with reduced numbers & partners due to the pandemic. This year 2021 they are just as committed to their research.

CORAL SEA FOUNDATION

Objective - raise awareness of the ecological & social value the Coral Sea & Eastern Coral Triangle has. (Sustainable measures with local communities).

Based on Magnetic Island, Australia, the Coral Sea Foundation team has set up the Sea Women of Melanesia Projects (SWOM). These projects teach local PNG ladies diving, snorkelling & reef survey techniques so the ladies are empowered to be their local reef advocates. 

• Ladies are still recording activities & posting the results online
• The use of the Dive Vessel Golden Dawn in Port Morseby will be used once restrictions are lifted
• New funding for another SWOM Project (details released soon)
• Follow the pictures on Instagram & Facebook as the diving is amazing

A report on the 2019 SWOM trip is here. 

Due to their amazing work ladies that have been trained before the pandemic are now training others in their local area.

The surveys & the feedback coming from their commitment through this pandemic should be an inspiration to us all!

Sea Women of Melanesia - PNG

REEF TEACH

Objective - teach & create awareness about the marine eco-system that is The Great Barrier Reef.

Located in Cairns, Australia the stepping stone to the Great Barrier Reef. Due to the restrictions in place, Cairns, a heavily reliant tourism town has taken a massive hit. Local dive operators & day tour operators which take out people to the GBR are sitting in port. Reef Teach would conduct presentations to these travellers before they took such tours. They have adapted and are continuing education.

• Online presentations & talks - check Facebook for details

Great time to connect & learn about marine life and the role the marine eco-system plays. 

TOO RARE TO WEAR

Objective - Help End Demand for Turtleshell Products

Brad Nahill the founder of Too Rare to Wear is based in the USA. This organisation is about how to track & stop the use of Turtle shell. They have started an education site:

• See Turtles.org
• See Turtles. org has online presentations for schools + volunteer programs in South America
• Offering Webinars to increase their emergency fund - to keep local rangers in jobs through this tough time
• Keep up to date on their Facebook
• Info webinars are running as well now - again details on Facebook

Check out both pages, sign up for info on the Too Rare To Wear site & share how to spot a real turtle shell product. Join the Webinar and let's support local rangers!

CITIZENS OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Objective - protect & conserve the Great Barrier Reef & reefs all around the world

Their platform brings together people, projects and organisations from across the Reef and around the world. You can become a Citizens then create your own dashboard. Using interactive & making connections you can see what you've saved in terms of waste. 

• Become a Citizen
• Keep up to to date with activities & inspiration, for presentations on Facebook
• Live satellite tag on sharks & turtles
• Actions to take

Keep up to date with actions your making & your friends. Cool to follow sharks & turtles which have been tagged.