Arborek Island, Raja Ampat Indonesia

Transcription

1 Arborek Island, Raja Ampat Indonesia Join the Queen of Mantas in Indonesia on an exclusive expedition to Raja Ampat Barefoot Conservation style to get first hand research experience in one the most biodiverse places on Earth. Exclusive Expedition Dates March 2015 FOR BOOKING ENQUIRES CONTACT: Please note that there is a 50% deposit required to book spaces on these expeditions. Places will only be held with a full deposit & completed terms and conditions form.

2 Your Hosts Dr. Andrea Marshall is a world renowned expert on manta rays and the director for the Marine Megafauna Foundation, a not for profit organization which spearheads conservation efforts for manta rays across the world through rigorous research programs and the application of sound management practices. Andrea, dubbed the Queen of Mantas in 2009 by the BBC in the Natural World documentary by the same name, was the first person in the world to receive a PhD on the ecology of these mysterious animals. Andrea spends most of the year conducting research around the world, most notably through her unique Ray of Hope Expeditions. These exciting trips allow the public to engage in citizen science while following her to the most remote and exciting destinations for manta rays in the world. The goals of each of her expeditions are unique but every trip is tailored to engage participants while producing high quality science. Janneman Conradie is an MMF conservationist specializing in aerial surveillance and underwater filming. Traveling the world with Andrea, Janneman over-sees project logistics and ensures that our field teams are using the most efficient and state of the art technology to conduct our research. Having filmed with the likes of National Geographic and the BBC, Janneman is a skilled cameraman, helping participants learn more about capturing incredible underwater imagery.

3 The Location The Raja Ampat Regency covers over 40,000 Sq Km of land and sea, including 1500 islands. It sits right in the heart of the "Coral Triangle", which is unquestionably the most biodiverse area for marine life in the world. The oceans that surround Raja Ampat contain 80% of all the world's coral species, 1350 species of fish, six of the world's seven marine turtle species, 27 varieties of marine mammal and conveniently both species of Manta!

4 Manta Research The Marine Megafauna Foundation have teamed up with Barefoot Conservation to develop a long-term manta ray research program for the area. Efforts have been underway for two years and already the Raja Ampat database stands at more than 200 individual manta rays. Current research efforts include studies on population dynamics, reproductive ecology and the social networking of reef manta rays. Participants will be expected to help MMF staff collect photo IDs of manta rays and upload encounters to Manta Matcher, the first global online database for manta rays. Guests will also learn how to take accurate laser measurements of rays, collect photo-id pictures, set camera traps, and perform visual transects with our drone camera. Hands on citizen science coupled with detailed lectures and courses in underwater photography will have you leaving Indonesia feeling inspired and proud of your contribution.

5 Your Itinerary Arrival Day- Participants should be in Sorong on the 11 th of March. The group will meet at the Meridian Hotel at 8:00am (directly across from the airport) and take a ferry at 9:00 am from Sorong to the town of Waisai where they will be met by a speedboat to take them the additional 1-hour to Base Camp on Arborek Island. March 12 th -21 st - Your typical day will consist of three dives on local reefs with MMF researchers, two of which will be dedicated manta ray research dives. The third dive in the afternoon will often be a fun dive to allow guests to fully experience the diversity of the local area. These dives will often be to nearby coral reefs, jetties to scout for mini-fauna, or may even be an exciting night dive! Sundays are religious days for the local community so our itinerary will be slightly altered on this day. The morning will be reserved for special research/photography lectures or community engagement, with a dive scheduled in the afternoon. Breakfast will be served daily at 7am and then depending on conditions, we will dive shortly after that (2 dives). After lunch (12:00-12:30) you will do a third dive. Dinner is served at 19:00 followed by a short de-brief session on the days activities. The evening is reserved for processing of photos, data analysis, and photo/video critiquing, for those looking to improve their photography skills. Departure Day- Transportation back to the Sorong airport will be arranged for the group on the 22 nd. You will be able to connect to your on-going international or domestic flights from there.

6 Expedition Details The Expedition will be 12 days. You will have 10 full days on Arborek. This exclusive expedition is limited to 6 ROHE guests. Accommodation is basic and comprises dormitory-style beach bungalows. You will be provided with a bunk bed, mattress, pillow, basic linen (you may wish to bring a light sleeping bag) and a mosquito net, along with a fan. The bungalows are shared and have a power supply to charge cameras and computers. 12-day ROH expedition price $2,200/person Price Includes: 10-Day dive package (3 air dives/day). Tanks, air, weights & weight belts included (rental gear available on request) *Certification cards and diving insurance will be required on arrival. 11 nights accommodation at Barefoot Basecamp, including 3 wholesome meals per day Round-trip transfers from Sorong to Basecamp on Arborek Comprehensive science training program, community project involvement, evening talks by biologists, and photography workshops PADI Manta Ray Specialty Course Certification (card included) Raja Ampat Marine Reserve park fee Marine Megafauna Foundation & Barefoot Conservation T-shirts $150 Donation to MMF Manta Ray Research Program Price Excludes: International and/or domestic flights - Airport Tax / Visa Fees Diving & Travel Insurance (Highly recommended, diving insurance required) Dive gear rental (if needed) Tips info@rayofhopeexpeditions.com for more information