environmental projects
protecting koh tao's beaches and reefs

KOH TAO MARINE ECOLOGY MONITORING PROGRAMME
KOH TAO REEF SURVEY PROJECT

Buddha View IDC Resort in conjunction with Newcastle University, UK, actively promote environmental projects on Koh Tao, increasing awareness and knowledge of the aquatic environment and strengthening the local dive industry. Tom Hawkins, MSc Tropical Coastal Management and Mark Soworka, Course Director and Marine Resource Mangagement Instructor Trainer, have developed education programmes promoting an increased understanding of Koh Tao's diving environment. Marine Resource Management and Coral Reef Ecology seminars are held in conjunction with all Divemaster and Instructor training courses. These seminars are open to all and are promoted with package deals with all open water and advanced courses. Tom runs additional courses in coral and fish identifcation. Regular surveys on Koh Tao's coral reefs are conducted with additional training in identifying indicator species and laying transect lines.

Marine Resource Management and Reef Ecology plus PADI Naturalist Specialty: 1 or 2day coures. Free Reef Ecology seminar plus two dives identifying symbiotic behaviours and man made threats to KOh Tao's coral reefs. 3900 Baht plus free MRM certification.

Eco-Gold Open Water 4 or 5 day course with Marine Resource Management and Coral Reef Ecology (MRM) seminar and 2 dive specialty: fish and coral identification, the Naturalist specialty, OR extra work on buoyancy, the Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty, OR souvenir snap shots with the Underwater Photographer Specialty, giving credit towards Advanced and Adventure certifications and Specialty certification. 12,650 Baht plus free MRM certification. Camera rental 1200bht BOOK NOW

Eco-Advanced Open Water 3 or 4 day course,total 6 dives, with Marine Resource Management and Coral Reef Ecology (MRM) seminar and 2 dive specialty: fish and coral identification, the Naturalist specialty, OR extra work on buoyancy, the Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty, OR dive memories recorded with the Underwater Photographer Specialty. 10,250 Baht plus free MRM certification. Camera rental 1200bht
BOOK NOW

Reef Survey Introduction Programme: Minimum Advanced level diver. Full day on the boat with basic reef survey techniques the evening before. Includes lunch. 2500 Baht plus free MRM certification.

ECO-Dive Instructor SUMMER PROMOTION- IDC, Prep, EFRI Marine Resource Management Instructor - just 36900bht (normally 44000bht)

Newcastle University and Mr Tom Hawkins Reef Survey training Programme: Minimum Advanced level diver. 4 day programme. Includes basic biology, ecology and fish, invertebrate and substrate identification. Survey techniques trainign with three water sessions. Includes free Marine Resource Management and Coral Reef Ecology (MRM) seminar . 8000 Baht plus free MRM certification. Plus 1950bht for Reef Check Materials (methods dvd, c-card, folder, & waterproof field guide) Additional Half day reef surveys just 1500bht.

If interested in this programme check out facebook 2008 KOh Tao Reef Survey.

DAY 1:
CLASSROOM - Register. Introduction presentation. Watch the DVD. info on the biology / ecology / scientific side of things

WATER - Buoyancy practice. ID practice: fish, inverts. substrate. I'll also add in a decent brief on coral diseases and bleaching as well as a basic coral ID session (to Family level).

DAY 2:
CLASSROOM - Fish ID presentation. Invertebrate ID presentation. Substrate ID presentation. A short talk on how to select the sites to be surveyed.

WATER - Survey practice (fish, inverts, & substrate)

DAY 3:
CLASSROOM - Identification tests (80% pass mark)

WATER - Full survey (depending on numbers: 1 or 2 transects, fish and/or inverts and/or substrate)

DAY 4:
CLASSROOM - Data entry and submission procedures. Project AWARE promotion. Certification completed.

We strongly recommend all divers and snorkelers learn more about the underwater world. It is where your fascination with diving will begin. And, it is through more of us taking an active interest in the underwater world that we will work effectively towards reef preservation. Currently we are in the process of compiling a course that will supplement standard diver training with an environmental internship assisting Tom and Newcastle University with local research and surveys, environmental projects and eceolgy education programmes. If you are interested in being part of these programmes, whether non-diver or instructor, please contact us.

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