Conclusion
What did our research show?
During the phase we completed, 20 sites along the North West coast of Mahe were surveyed; 11 of these sites were granitic and 9 carbonate. In total we undertook 40 belt transects, 240 fish point counts and 120 LIT/ INV transects.
Our results showed an increase in live hard coral as well as fish. Our findings found an increase in Corralivores (e.g. Butterfly Fish) which is positive as it indicates that the reef is healthy. We undertook 145 turtle dives whereby 52 yielded sightings of turtles - In total we saw 67 turtles of which 56 were Hawksbill, 9 Green and 2 unknown. In addition to all this we recorded 265 ray sightings, 37 Cetaceans (i.e. Dolphins etc) and 9 Whale Sharks.
On the island of Curieuse we surveyed 5 sites. Six turtles were caught in-water and tagged as well as more than 30 turtles were seen nesting and 200 tracks found. In addition to this 47 turtles were sighted whilst snorkelling and diving, 76 sharks and 47 rays.
All this information can be found in the GVI Seychelles 084 report which is also sent to SCMRT-MPA. Our data on turtles, cetaceans and Whale Sharks is sent to MCSS and the data on sea cucumbers, lobster and octopuses is sent to SFA. The Ministry of Environment presents the data annually at a symposium and it has been presented recently at the Reef Conservation UK Conference. The findings are finally incorporated into the biannual status reports on coral reefs of the world.
So what are my overall thoughts of my whole experience?
I would recommend participating in an expedition to help you in developing your diving skills. Since taking part I have dived in Thailand and Oz and find myself looking more closely at the fish to identify the family and then the species. I’ve found myself also looking for the distinguishing features of the fish so I can identify them. I feel I have now turned into a fish geek. If I’m unable to identify the fish, out comes my bible!!!! The expedition in addition, has given me the speciality of coral reef researcher and has improved my hovering skills – it would be hard not to, after hovering for a total of 20 minutes each dive!
However, if I was to repeat the experience again, I would do my homework first. I would research more into the accommodation, environment and location of the expedition. For me personally I would look for a shorter duration time as 10 weeks was perhaps too long to be in one place when you’re travelling.
The expedition has also enabled me to meet some great dive buddies – they helped me make it through the whole 10 weeks so big thanks goes out to them all. We’re meeting at the dive show for a reunion and there is talk of some of us going on a diving holiday in June.
Lastly, I had some amazing experiences of which I know the memories will stay with me forever…snorkelling with whale sharks, diving with dolphins, watching turtles nesting and then having to move all 189 eggs to safety, sitting on a private beach drinking champagne in addition to some great diving in the Seychelles.
If you fancy a challenge do it!!!!!!
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