Air sampling project

We took 2 types of air samples at various locations around the Indian Ocean for Dr. Bala (Microparticles) and Oliver Wurl (Persistant Organic Pollutants) from the Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore. Read more about this air sampling research. For an explanation for non scientists click here.

Below is a PDF file of a scientific article of the results:

"Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) over the open Indian Ocean" has been published now in Atmospheric Environment 40, 2006, 5558-5565.

Rodrigues, Shoals Rodrigues

In Rodrigues we visited Shoals Rodrigues, a marine research, training and education organisation. We worked with Shoals to establish new coral reef survey sites and resurvey previously established sites. One morning we observed them conducting an octopus survey as part of their pilot project on octopus traps. We also took a group of students on board as part of their 'Club Mer' educational programme.

Tanzania, Coelacanths

In Tanzania we were fortunate to be introduced to the Tanga Coastal Zone Conservation and Development Programme who have recently been handling a spate of exciting new Coelacanth sightings in the Tanga area.

Zanzibar, Dolphin Tourist Interaction

We also spent some time in the island of Zanzibar working with the Institute of Marine Sciences on the Menai Bay Conservation area and a Dolphin Tourist Interaction project. We observed, photographed and videoed the bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat to see if they showed behavioural differences when accompanied by tourists.

Seychelles, Hawksbill Turtles

In the Seychelles we've been working with the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, an NGO that aims to improve the conservation of marine ecosystems through scientific, management, educational and training programmes, investigating turtle foraging grounds.

Opportunistic surveying and reporting of marine animals

We kept an eye out for whales, dolphins, whale sharks and marine turtles. When an animal is spotted we got as much information about it as we could and tried to photograph it.

Fluorescence

We have photographed underwater fluorescence on the reef at night using special filters. Scientists are studying the usefulness of fluorescence for finding new coral recruits on reefs.

Reef surveying

We can do our own reef surveys, using the Line Intercept Transect method. When we'll do a survey we will send the data to Reef Check, an international programme that works with communities, governments and businesses to scientifically monitor, restore and maintain coral reef health.

Hydroponics

Not strictly scientific research, but we experimented with growing some vegetables on board hydroponically.