Kosrae Village Now Accepting Divers and Volunteers for 2012 Coral Monitoring Project

Feb. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- Kosrae Village
CONTACT: Katrina Adams
PHONE: 691.370.3483
EMAIL: Katrina@kosraevillage.com
WEB: www.kosraevillage.com

Kosrae Village Accepting Volunteers for 2012 Coral Monitoring Project

KOSRAE, Micronesia- Kosrae Village is beginning to accept volunteer divers for the 2012 Kosrae Coral Monitoring Project. The project will be in its 17th year, and is the longest running program of its kind.

Kosrae Village recently announced dates for the 2012 project, October 6-18, and is inviting volunteers to begin registering. During the two week program, scuba divers from around the world work with local Kosraens to survey the health of some of the world’s last remaining pristine fringing reefs. Volunteers are trained in surveying techniques, taking measurements, and gathering images without damaging the reefs. Last year divers were asked to take digital photos as a new element of the project.

After training and check out dives, a typical day on the project includes two dives: one working and one exploratory. Turtles, tropical fish, rainbow runners, rays, and barracuda will join divers in their explorations. Average water temperature is around 84 F with visibility over 150 ft. In the evenings volunteers gather at Kosrae Village to review the photos, identifying marine species and coral. After discussing the day’s results, the information is uploaded to the Kosrae database. While the information is shared directly with state and regional databases, the data is available to interested parties around the world.

Data from the Coral Monitoring Project has resulted in the creation of protected areas around the island, the declaration of the Bumphead Parrotfish as a protected species, changes in local attitudes about sustainable fishing practices, and the identification of new marine species.

Volunteers are hosted at Kosrae Village, an eco lodge and PADI 5-Star Dive Center, which helped found multiple reef protection projects. Accommodations are thatched beachfront cottages. Local craftsmen constructed Kosrae Village using traditional building practices and sustainable materials. Kosrae Village has a strong commitment to protecting and preserving the local environment and traditions.

To register for the Coral Monitoring Project or for more information about Kosrae Village contact Katrina Adams as Katrina@kosraevillage.com or visit www.kosraevillage.com.