May 26, 2024 (Memorial Day week) Coral Restoration Workshop - Colombia Diving/Snorkel Expedition

Description:

You'll work alongside our seasoned staff scientists, learning innovative restoration techniques and actively participating in our transformative coral restoration project. This expedition is not just an opportunity to contribute to marine conservation, but also a chance to augment your scientific knowledge and understanding of these intricate ecosystems.

The proceeds from this excursion benefit the broader coral science and conservation project Remote Ecologist is undertaking with its long-term collaborators (like Fundación CIM -Caribe and CEINER/Oceanario) in Northern Colombia, South America. Needs for the team vary by spawning season and year, but it involves the advancement of restoration targets in and around two major marine protected areas (MPAs), the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo near Cartagena and the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona near Santa Marta, Colombia. Particularly, efforts are ongoing to improve coral percent cover and population genetics through coral sexual propagation techniques during coral spawning events. Most 1-week expeditions fund our on-the-ground partner's day-to-day operations in coral nurseries for ~1 month. This trip will also help fund collaboration between U.S. partner organizations and Colombian partners for technology transfer and co-development of knowledge.

What is included:

This expedition will introduce the participating divers to coral conservation and restoration efforts in northern Colombia, along with an introduction to Santa Marta proper, the gateway for coffee cultivation in Latin America. Santa Marta is nestled between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean Sea, making for a unique opportunity to experience multiple biomes in one locale. Participating divers will receive an introduction to fragmentation and microfragmentation of corals, how to run a transect to quantify coral cover in a priority restoration area, transplant corals, and monitor scientific equipment. Dives in the national park adjacent to the restoration site, for comparison to wild hard and soft corals, will also be part of the dive program. Cultural activities that are part of the stay include a trip up the mountains for bird watching, bathing in waterfalls, and visiting organic coffee farms. Participants will be inundated in the nature surrounding the Pearl City.

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta, Colombia. Welcome reception and a detailed workshop on coral ecology, threats facing reefs, and restoration techniques.

Day 2: Begin the day with two dives around Santa Marta. Spend the afternoon reviewing the dive experiences and discussing further restoration techniques.

Day 3: Morning dive at Santa Marta. Afternoon and evening dives at Inca Inca.

Day 4: Full day of diving at Inca Inca. Three dives with breaks in between for rest and meals.

Day 5: Travel to Parque Tayrona, Morro de Santa Marta, or similar site. Dive in the morning, followed by an afternoon exploring terrestrial biodiversity. End the day with a sunset dive.

Day 6: Day trip to Minca. Explore the scenic mountain town known for its coffee plantations and waterfalls. Return to Santa Marta in the evening.

Day 7: Morning review session of the expedition, followed by departure from Santa Marta.

Cost: $3750 USD + transaction fees ($500 deposit via the ticket here, with Full Payment via Paypal Link (sent separately) due 30 days ahead), includes dives, transportation, activities, hotel (Hilton Santa Marta or similar), food. Dive equipment rental is available at ~$35/day. Airfare is not included. Please coordinate with the excursion coordinator on all travel into/out of the country.

Required: Passport (U.S. citizens do not need pre-approved visa), current Divers Alert Network (DAN) dive insurance, Travel Health Insurance (a provider will be recommended)

Preferred: Advanced SCUBA certification

Recommended: All appropriate regional travel vaccinations

Contact: Email info@remoteecologist.org for more information and to set up deposit.