Description

This is an opportunity to make a contribution to the environment while you're on vacation. Join the marine park rangers in a week long underwater monitoring program where you will learn underwater survey protocols and collect data on unique native and threatened marine life. The data you collect will be applied to genuine ongoing monitoring program conducted by the Lord Howe Marine Park Authority.

Lord Howe Island is like the "Galapagos" of the West Pacific and the crossroads of 5 major ocean currents. The isolated island is in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. A World Heritage listed site, it offers a rare and spectacular array of marine life in pristine clear waters, and the chance to have kingfish eating out of your hands at Ned's Beach.

Highlights

ITINERARY
Day 1/ Saturday:
On your afternoon arrival, you will be given a welcome orientation and BBQ.

Day 2/ Sunday:
In the morning the marine park rangers will conduct a briefing and protocol training for the McColloughs anemonefish-rare endemics monitoring program. The rest of the morning will be spent on one dive and one snorkel transect in the lagoon. In the afternoon digest all this new learning and compare notes in a friendly debrief, where you will also be introduced to data entry protocols.

Day 3/ Monday:
In the morning you will follow up with a further two dive transects on McColloughs anemonefish-rare endemics. This time you will dive in the outer reefs. In the afternoon, a shore-based snorkel transect in the lagoon, or an intertidal quadrat survey where you can experience the amazing rockpool biodiversity that Lord Howe has to offer.

Day 4/ Tuesday:
In the morning the marine park rangers will introduce the volunteers to the endangered black cod and Lord Howe turtle species monitoring program. This will be followed by two timed-swim dive surveys. Enjoy an afternoon free to explore the heritage community settlement of Lord Howe Island.

Day 5/ Wednesday:
In the morning you will continue with the endangered black cod and Lord Howe turtle species with two timed-swim dive surveys. In the afternoon you may do a snorkel transect or intertidal quadrat, depending on the weather.

Day 6/ Thursday:
In the morning you will conduct a McColloughs anemonefish-rare endemics survey with a goodbye snorkel in the lagoon. In the afternoon a final debrief with the marine park rangers on the outcomes of the volunteer monitoring program data. Followed with a well-earned rest the rest of the afternoon! Or take an optional naturalist tour to investigate the terrestrial wonders of Lord Howe Island. End the day with a farewell BBQ.

Day 7/ Friday:
Morning free at leisure. Afternoon departure.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Scuba
• Snorkeling
• Volunteering

Cost in US$:

3,185

Program Fees Include:

6 nights accommodation at self-catering units at Leanda Lei Apartments, 5 days dive/snorkel, all boat transport, tanks, weights and survey equipment, welcome and farewell BBQs, airport transfers on Lord Howe Island, return flight Sydney to Lord Howe Island, with airport/airline taxes* Rate per person based on double/twin occupancy

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 20

Application Process Involves

• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Reef & Rainforest Dive & Adventure Travel's Mission Statement

Reef & Rainforest Dive & Adventure Travel is a full service travel agency that specializes in exotic scuba diving travel. Our professional experienced travel agents endeavor to share their knowledge of the finest exotic scuba diving destinations to active traveling divers. Our goal is to utilize our longstanding reputation in the industry, supplier relationships and contacts to help divers plan their ideal diving vacation. No matter how difficult the itinerary, we are experts in the travel needs of technical and rebreather divers as well as underwater photographers. We also specialize in exotic diving destinations, keeping clients up to date on all their travel arrangements.

Year Founded

2001