November 2023 Coral Restoration - Diving
Coral Restoration - Diving
Service Description
Embark on an exciting mission to restore the coral reefs of Santa Marta, Colombia. It's the perfect time to travel south to warmer waters and contribute to the conservation of our precious marine ecosystems, SCUBA diving and working alongside our scientists. 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 partners in Northern Colombia, South America. 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. 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 d




Upcoming Sessions
Contact Details
320 Boston Post Rd ste 180 100, Darien, CT, USA
+1 203-807-4232
info@remoteecologist.org