Coral and Coastal Ecology of… (trip)

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Coral and Coastal Ecology of the Seychelles

  • Volunteer Vacations
Silhouette Island , Seychelles , Indian Ocean , island , archipelago , ocean , marine , coral , fish , Coral and Coastal Ecology of the Seychelles , volunteer , ecotourism , earthwatch , sustainability

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Period offered: Year-round. The provider (view their profile) can provide you with specific departure dates, final prices, and other information.


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15 Days, contact provider for price. Year-round.

Accommodations: Comfort. Exertion level: 3 (7 is most strenuous)

Overview of Coral and Coastal Ecology of the Seychelles

In 1979, Curieuse Island and its surrounding waters were declared a Marine National Park by the Seychelles in order to protect the native wildlife. Today it is home to a diverse array of habitats, ranging from open grasslands to tall lush woodland to a species-rich coastal ecosystem. Your help in studying the reef and the coastal ecosystem will allow researchers to provide invaluable data to the Seychelles government, to the local community, and to conservation groups, engaging them in promoting the importance of these coastal habitats. This study’s findings will form recommendations for the effective management of these areas.

Operated by Earthwatch Institute.

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Locations visited/nearby

Silhouette Island , Seychelles , Indian Ocean , island , archipelago , ocean , marine , coral , fish , Coral and Coastal Ecology of the Seychelles , volunteer , ecotourism , earthwatch , sustainability

0 testimonials about this trip.

1 testimonial about the provider, Earthwatch Institute:

  • Reviewer: L. Reifschneider located in St. Louis, MO USA
    Elephant conservation is what drives my travel destinations. However, I always come home counting the blessings of new friends and an understanding of a culture and way of life I possibly would otherwise have never been introduced to. Through the Earthwatch projects I participate in, I am learning just how big and wonderful this world is.

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Disclaimers

*Travel product and pricing information are the travel provider’s base estimates, published here as a convenience to TravelDragon users without verification by TravelDragon. Your actual price will vary depending upon length of trip, travel dates, number of traveling guests, transportation (e.g. airfare, rail passes, etc.), and optional service features such as room categories or individualized food requirements. This base price estimate may or may not include all necessary fees, taxes, government-imposed surcharges. Be sure to confirm availability, total price and trip details with the travel provider using the contact information provided here.

Max group size: 12

Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Using a combination of digital photography and underwater video transects, you’ll help assess the health of one of the world’s most stunning coral reefs by measuring biodiversity around the reef and in the shallow waters of Curieuse Island, in the Seychelles. The data you help collect and enter in the lab will allow scientists to identify which species in the region might be most important for tracking the effects of global climate change in the Indian Ocean.

If you want to take part in the diving parts of the research*, you MUST be scuba certified (CMAS 2 star = PADI Rescue or BASC Sports) have at least 30 logged dives, and have recent diving experience.

Between snorkeling, dives (see above), and lab work, you’ll have opportunities to explore the island’s nature trails, swim in the lagoon, or just sit back and enjoy the spectacular views and relaxing tropical climate.

 

Lying about one mile to the north-east of Praslin, Curieuse Island is a picturesque member of the Seychelles archipelago. It is about two miles long and is fringed with stunning beaches of fine golden sands.

Once known as Ile Rouge on account of its red earth, Curieuse was eventually named after one of Marion Dufresne's vessels which explored the islands of the Praslin group in 1768. The island used to be a leper colony and the ruins of the old houses can still be seen, notably a restored colonial villa that was home to the island doctor in the 1870s.

Today, the island and its surrounding waters form one of six national Marine Parks of the Seychelles. The marine park boundaries extend 200m/656ft offshore and, on the west side, to the coast of the neighboring Praslin. Interestingly, these two islands are the only places where the famous Coco-der-mer (sea coconut) grows naturally. Curieuse also boasts an additional endemic vine and eight different species of mangrove. It is home to hundreds of Aldabra giant land tortoises and an important nesting site for hawksbill sea turtles.

More information from Earthwatch Institute: