Star-gazing at midnight and long daily dives among incredible sea life might sound more like vacation in an earthly paradise than an environmental mission. In fact, Bio-Sphere Expeditions offers both at once.
Modeled on the methods of Reef Check, an NGO working in over 90 countries and territories to promote protection of coral reefs, the week-long trips along the coast of Oman and the UAE expose interested divers to local underwater wonders while training them to collect data that can help protect the marine life.
October participant Nasser al-Khanjari recalls the delights of a night dive when he swam within arm’s length of sleeping fish, and schools of tuna that were “strong and gentle” swimmers. The dives mix play with work: after learning to identify fish, invertebrates and other indicators of reef health, participants gather information on them and submit this data to Reef Check headquarters in California.
The reward is twofold: having a once-in-a-lifetime experience of natural beauty, and knowing that thanks to your visit, it has a better chance of remaining after you’re gone.
For more info – Reef Check’s website
2 comments
Thanks for adding the bio sphere site in the BIT.. interesting to read more about their work. enjoyed both.
You’re welcome! I find the ecological stories so fascinating and under-reported. There will be more to come…