Now is always the right time to start thinking about ways to give back to the planet, and marine conservation should be high on the list. Taking part in a citizen science program is an excellent way for anyone to help our environment – and have fun while doing it!
Since 2002, All Star Liveaboards has implemented reef restoration trips focused towards the protection and education of marine ecosystems. During the dive vacation, guests onboard All Star Cat Ppalu learn about the various marine habitats located in the Exuma Cays.
Passengers can also contribute to the cause by participating in projects such as coral restoration, Diadema sea urchin relocation, and algae removal.
Why Diadema?
Diadema, or long-spined sea urchin, is a keystone herbivore species that feeds on algal turf around coral ecosystems, inherently maintaining the balance between the two populations. Without the urchin present, the algae can then overgrow and destroy the reef.
Previously, there was an abundance of Diadema throughout the Bahamas, but in 1983 there was a massive die off from disease that caused a loss of 92 to 99 percent of the population in the area.
After the plague became apparent, scientists started to notice the decline in coral health and increased abundance in algae coverage. With so much algae and no urchin to eat it, the coral was now suffocating underneath and dying.
Since then, researchers have been working on solutions to this issue. One of those solutions is Diadema relocation projects like the ones conducted on All Star Liveaboards Citizen Science trips.
What do we do?
Once settled in, guests will be able to sit down with the Marine Biologist on board to hear a presentation on the different corals and algae present in the area. During the week, all who would like to join in on the marine conservation efforts are encouraged!
The goal for the week is to clean up the reefs and relocate urchins to areas where they are needed the most. It has been discovered that the urchins will cannot survive eating old algae growth, so it’s very important that the coral is clean to ensure the urchins’ safety once they are released.
Since urchins feed at night, we must wait until the sun goes down to collect them. Once collected, they are placed in water-filled buckets onboard, ready to be relocated to a reef that is in greater need of cleaning.
When the boat arrives at the new site, passengers have the opportunity to go down and prep the area before release by cleaning algae from the suffocating corals. Once clean, the urchins are brought down in baskets on scuba and released. Watching them race to find the best hiding spot is an entertaining sight to see!
Though coral restoration and urchin relocation is the focus, this is not the only issue you are able to gain knowledge about while on this marine conservation trip.
Along with translocating urchins, the marine biologist on board will have presentations on other topics pertaining to the area. All passengers are encouraged to participate in other topics such as mangrove ecology, blue holes, fish identification, and shark migration. All of which are experiences that you might encounter while doing a liveaboard in the Bahamas.
Throughout the week, you can soak up knowledge and get answers to questions you might have about marine life. There is no need for a degree to become a citizen scientist, only a love for the ocean and the will to give back to the planet.
Do Your Part to Contribute to Marine conservation Efforts!
Help us relocate diadema sea urchins and do our part to help the reefs. Call us or check out the Citizen Scientist page to book a marine conservation trip on Cat Ppalu!
Our next Citizen Scientist Charter is scheduled for August 14-20, 2021. Contact us at catppalu@allstarliveaboards.com for more info or call us at 954-734-7111.
