The health of coral reefs is essential to the welfare of hundreds of millions of people. Scuba dive or snorkel to collect data that will help preserve them.
Tropical coral reefs are some of the most species-rich places in the world. They also protect land from ocean waves and provide food and income for the communities around them. But humans aren’t returning the favor: we overuse their resources and pollute their waters. These threats add to the potentially devastating impacts of rapid climate change, which could alter reefs to a point where they can no longer provide us with the services we need - and where some of the plants and animals they support no longer exist.
Off shores of these tropical islands, you’ll scuba dive* or snorkel alongside researchers to explore the undersea landscape and collect data to protect it. You’ll shoot underwater video, use high-tech instruments to investigate how corals absorb and use light, and survey the reef for fish. Back on land, you’ll help with aquarium experiments and data analysis. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll work on materials to inform the Seychelles government and other groups about the plight of the reefs. Your work may create awareness that will preserve reefs and protect the species that depend on them—us, for one.
*Divers must be scuba certified (CMAS 2 star = PADI Rescue or BASC Sports) or have logged at least 30 dives (five within the year before the expedition).
NOTE: Due to accommodation restrictions, some teams may be recruiting only female participants or only male participants.