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.
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 :
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 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.
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 the took such tours. They have adapted and are continuing education.
Great time to connect & learn about marine life and the role the marine eco-system plays. Once restrictions are lifted we will continue to send divers for a visit.
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:
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!
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.
Keep up to date with actions your making & your friends. Cool to follow sharks & turtles which have been tagged.