Coral Reef and Tiger Shark Expedition in Maldives
Why the education in Biology, Natural history and conservation of Sharks is important?
In order for us to better conserve sharks, and to spread the awareness that they are critical species for Marine Conservation and for keeping our ocean healthy we need to learn as much about them as possible. Through knowing their biology and natural history we can make better decisions on how to protect sharks and their habitat and how to spreads the word that they are critical parts of the marine environment.
Sharks are valuable
Sharks are the top predator in the ocean and essential for a healthy food web & Tiger sharks, for example, have been directly linked to the health of sea-grass beds and fisheries
Sharks could be part of the dive tourism industry rather than being viewed as a threat.
Sharks are vulnerable
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that nearly half the shark species are threatened or near-threatened with extinction
Shark species including the silky, hammerhead, and thresher are being over-fished
Commercial fishing kills about 100 million sharks each year either incidentally or for their fins, meat, liver oil, cartilage and other parts The industry is largely unregulated throughout the world
The shark population is especially vulnerable because sharks are late to mature and produce few young.
Sharks need protection
Sharks are being killed at about twice the rate at which they can reproduce. International protection has been piecemeal.
In 2014, 120 governments that joined in the U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals officially committed to protecting sharks
This Project will focus on
Science: learning more about shark species
Education: helping more people learn about sharks
Participation in Shark Research
After you receive information on the biology and natural history of sharks and are familiar with the species and behavior patterns of the animals you will have the opportunity to participate in what is called in the scientific community “Diver Observance Research”. This means that using a standardized data sheet the includes information on the animal such as location, description, species, length and sex of the animal you will submit that information to shark base and global finprint so that there is a diver supported data base included, including about individual species.
When you encounter Shark interaction dives with tiger, hammerhead and thresher sharks, the safest way is to remain calm and let the animal approach you. Don’t chase the animal down or make wild movements while on the dive.
The sharks will be curious and make a close non-aggressive pass. The instructions of the dive guide should be followed and most importantly: enjoy the unique opportunity to see these majestic animals in the wild.
- Learn Scientific coral research techniques
- More details on this please.
You will also have the opportunity to learn about the reef using an established yet easy scientific method. Sharks belong to an ecosystem and it is also important and useful for divers to be aware of that ecosystem that sharks belong to. Using the methodology you will play an active role in conserving their favorite coral reefs.
This course is designed to teach you everything they need to know to conduct full scale Reef Check surveys. In this program they will learn all about the globally standardized Reef Check methodology as well as how to identify key indicator fish, invertebrates and substrates selected by Reef Check for global monitoring and conservation of coral reefs! This course will allow you to join the Reef Check monitoring team and assist in underwater surveys around the world.
Join the below Liveaboard Dive trips of your life time.
Laamu to Huvadhoo 20 January 2019 27 January 2019
(Hammerheads, bull shark, thresher sharks and other types of sharks Guaranteed)
Huvadhoo to Addu 27 January 2019 03 February 2019
(Tiger Shark Guaranteed)
Program includes (Expert Coral and Shark Conservationists will be on board)
- Education in the biology, natural history and conservation of sharks
- Participation in Shark Research
- Shark interaction dives with Tiger (guaranteed), Hammerhead and Thresher Sharks
- Learn scientific coral reef research techniques
- Certification as a Reef Check Eco Diver Volunteer
- Participation in Anti-ocean plastics campaign
- Participation in local, community driven beach cleanup campaigns
