Diving
to make a Difference
Marine
Expedition, Mozambique Stunning above the water
and breathtaking below, Tofu beach in Mozambique is attracting
increasing numbers of visitors to its shores to see Whale
Sharks, Manta Rays and a variety of other amazing marine
life.
Working in partnership with Mozambican stakeholders Quest
Overseas is running a marine conservation expedition which
will give you the chance to undertake diving surveys of
megafauna such as Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, reef surveys
and community and education work which will make a real
difference to the people it involves.
Whale
Sharks
Growing to a maximum length of 14m Whale Sharks are harmless
plankton feeders. Surprisingly, little is known about
these gentle giants other than the casual interactions
that are had at the surface with divers and snorkellers.
Manta
Rays
Manta Rays are normally only seen when diving and normally
at depth (15m plus). Also harmless these amazing creatures
can reach a wingspan of 7m and are a must see for divers
worldwide.
The Tofu area also has a wealth of smaller but equally
impressive marine life from corals, to turtles to invertebrates.
Due to the importance of the marine life and key species
to the fledgling tourism industry in Tofu, the area is
ideal for studies of such creatures.
Aim
of the project
As long as the marine life stays alive and local, Tofu
is likely to increase in popularity as a destination for
divers, holidaymakers and travellers alike. This is good
news for the area but will increase pressure on it resources.
By gaining an understanding of the needs of the community
and helping them develop a sense of pride in what they
have, as well as offering them alternative livelihoods,
the species stand a better chance of survival in the long
term. With potential increased pressure on them, management
plans need to be implemented to ensure that stress and
harm does not come to such a unique resource.
Currently no work has been undertaken in the area to find
out exactly what is there and as an example all of the
scientific papers written on Whale Sharks in the last
30 years can be counted on one hand. As Whale Sharks and
Mantas are such a key tourist resource, a better understanding
of them is essential for any future management plans.
Project
Activities
Each week volunteers will undertake four survey dives,
one snorkel to survey Whale Sharks and two fun dives at
the weekend. You will also be involved in environmental
education and community work in the local communities
around Tofu beach.
What you will get in return is four weeks of living next
to the Indian Ocean, adventure, inspiration and fun while
spending your time making a positive impact.
Accommodation
Very comfortable accommodation in a self-contained volunteers
house, right on the edge of Tofu beach, with stunning
views over the Indian Ocean. All food is provided but
volunteers will cook for themselves, apart from the occasional
night out.
Cost
£1850 (includes all dive equipment, £850 donation
to the project work, all food, accommodation, 4 survey
dives and 2 fun dives per week, 1 snorkel survey per week,
weekend activities and local transport, not including
flights or insurance).
Each volunteers project donation will include a US$100
contribution to a local trust fund which will build up
over time for long term initiatives, such as sponsoring
training of local students up to Divemaster level.
Dates
3rd November 2006 - 3rd December
6th April -6th May 2007
Tel:
01444 47 47 44
E-mail: beth@questoverseas.com
