Carpe Diem Maldives Announces Dive with a Purpose Marine Expeditions for 2018


Maldives
PUBLISHED October 14, 2017

Building on the success of three marine expeditions in 2017, Carpe Diem Maldives Cruises in partnership with US based research organisation Coral Reef CPR, has announced its 2018 Dive with a Purpose series of hands-on marine expeditions for leisure divers.

The dive with a purpose series will focus on two major events, "Rescue a Reef" Programme where divers will assist researchers with the research and removal of Crown of Throne Starfish and "The Great Megafauna Migration" where Divers will have the opportunity to assist in tracking whale sharks, mantas and turtles across the Maldives.

In the 2018 "Rescue a Reef" expeditions, divers on the trips can expect a hands-on role in eliminating the starfish from badly infested reefs. Divers on board these expeditions will assist the Coral Reef CPR scientists in collecting valuable data on the behaviours of the starfish and its genetic make-up which will help them understand why the outbreaks occur, where it originates from and what they can do to prevent a recurrence.  


In addition to the COT removal from reefs, Carpe Diem Maldives will also be visiting a number of unique reef environments, including submerged farus and giris to explore the invertebrate life as and also collect valuable data on the diverse and colorful reef fish communities and larger megafauna such as sharks, manta rays and turtles.

Furthermore, across each of the one-week trips, divers will also be trained in reef conservation methods and survey approaches, and learn about coral reefs and the vibrant and diverse life found on reefs through nightly workshops and discussions.

According to Carpe Diem Maldives, joining these "Rescue a Reef" expeditions will provide divers with an opportunity to be part of a team who are saving thousands of hectares of reef and preventing the potential for future outbreaks.

"The great Megafauna Migration" highlights the growing school of thought that the Maldivian big three; whale sharks, manta rays and turtles react to the changes in the monsoon seasons by moving to sites on the leeward side of the atolls. 


In May 2018, Carpe Novo will become a research platform for biologists from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme providing them and 20 lucky guests an unprecedented opportunity to explore this phenomenon. The goal of this particular Dive with a Purpose expedition is to begin the 2018 southwest season's data collection, documenting the movements of these iconic yet enigmatic animals.

The MWSRP will be setting out on Carpe Novo with the aim of seeking whale sharks, as well as manta rays and sea turtles at differing points amongst the central atolls.

Whale sharks, manta rays and turtles will be photo identified, with individuals compared to previous sightings in national level databases to identify movements between locations, both within and between atolls. Equipment will be deployed to gather data on current and surface weather conditions in the hope of gleaning information on how quickly the 2018 season has changed and how the megafauna has reacted to it.

Guests joining this expedition will be offered the opportunity to assist the researchers in the hands on equipment deployment and every data gathering aspect of their work and will be afforded nightly workshops, lectures and discussions on marine life and the leading edge findings from Maldives-specific research on these species. 


Divers with an avid marine conservation interest should not miss out on this unique opportunity to work alongside expert marine biologists in the 2018 series of Dive with a Purpose expeditions from Carpe Diem Maldives.

These expeditions are an extension of Carpe Diems support of the organizations HARP- Holistic Approach to Reef Protection program. A fourth week has been added to the 2018 Dive with a Purpose program in partnership with Maldives Whale Shark Research.

Up to 20 recreational divers who have an Advanced PADI qualification, excellent buoyancy control and ideally a minimum of 70 dive experience can join the marine expeditions on each "Dive with A Purpose week".


"Rescue a Reef"Crown of Thorns Starfish Removal with Coral Reef CPR expeditions will take place on May 19 May 26 / July 15 July 22 / Sept 8 Sept 15 and "The Great Megafauna Migration" will take place from  May 26 June 2.

Priced from USD 1,863 per person for the week, the expeditions include:

  • 7 nights aboard the assigned Carpe Diem Maldives vessel
  • 3 meals daily, plus between-dive snacks
  • 3 to 4 dives daily (except for the day of arrival and day before departure) 
  • Use of tanks, weights and belts
  • Drinking water, tea and coffee
  • Airport transfers on the days of embarkation/disembarkation
  • Evening workshops on marine ecology, coral reef, marine life and more
  • On-board marine biologists 
  • GST 12%

Established in 2008 Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt Ltd showcases a collection of luxury liveaboard cruises. Carpe Diem is renowned for delivering a sense of discovery, adventure and always with expertise that enriches our guests knowledge and time with us. The Carpe Diem name has built significant brand recognition within the top echelons of the travel industry for diving & leisure, and the current portfolio includes 3 high end liveaboard cruises, each catering 20 guests at a time.  

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