PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THE BIODIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I’S CORAL REEFS THROUGH COMMUNITY BASED MONITORING AND REGENERATIVE TOURISM
Reefs at Risk
In recent years, Hawaii’s coral reefs have faced a concerning trend of degradation, exacerbated by a surge in coastal development and heightened water activities for tourism and recreation.
The empirical data from the past decade underscores this alarming reality, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures in monitoring, maintenance, and restoration of various reef ecosystems.
As a response to these environmental challenges, our program aims to address the pressing issues faced by Hawaiian coral reefs, offering hands-on solutions to ensure their sustained health and biodiversity.
Through community engagement and innovative ecological monitoring, we strive to contribute to the revitalization and preservation of these vital marine ecosystems.
Our Approach
- Precision Monitoring: Utilizing our knowledge and state-of-the-art technologies, our team, including dedicated volunteers, conducts thorough ecological surveys. We specialize in photogrammetry as a compliment to coral restoration projects and monitoring substrate composition, invertebrate abundance, and fish diversity.
- Community-Driven Photogrammetry: Involving the community directly, our photogrammetry crowdsourcing project engages participants in creating 3D models of coral reefs using orthoimagery. Beyond raising awareness, this initiative provides crucial data for ongoing research.
- Empowering Regenerative Tourism: We’re reshaping tourism into a positive force. Programs like “Sea Turtle Conservationist” and “Coral Reef Ecology and Monitoring” empower participants to actively engage in marine conservation. By adopting Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, gaining insights into reef ecosystems, and supporting our initiatives, individuals become dedicated stewards of the ocean.
Our Services
1 Day Sea Turtle / Coral Reef Monitoring Excursion
Immerse yourself in a single-day marine adventure with our specialized courses, catering to both snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts. In the Snorkeling Turtle Identification Course, participants capture the essence of sea turtle conservation by photographing distinctive features on both sides of their faces, contributing to individual identification efforts.
For the Ecological Diving and 3D Modeling Course, embark on a captivating journey into the heart of reef ecosystems. Delve into ecological monitoring practices and learn the art of crafting intricate 3D models of the underwater landscape. These one-day courses offer an immersive blend of education and exploration, providing participants with unique skills to actively contribute to marine research and conservation efforts.
4 Day Ecological Monitoring Program
This 4-day program combines theoretical knowledge, practical training, and hands-on ecological monitoring, empowering participants to become certified ecological divers capable of contributing to marine conservation efforts worldwide.
This program empowers you to become a proficient scientific diver, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the oceans while actively engaging in meaningful efforts to protect and sustain marine biodiversity.
6 week Marine Research Internship
The ReefCREST Internship was built to give aspiring conservationists and marine biologists the tools necessary to dive into a career in marine science and initiate action. This 6-week internship gives each individual the opportunity to be in the field every day working as a researcher, while also building up conservation diver and PADI/SSI certifications.
It is a workload of 240 contact hours, which qualifies domestic and international students for Internship / global placement credit. Each intern will build up their own hypothesis, independently formulate methodologies, collect corresponding data, analyze data, and report findings in publication format.
8 week Scientific Divemaster
The Scientific Divemaster program caters specifically to individuals aspiring for a career in marine science. Many research-oriented positions demand at least a Divemaster certification, yet traditional certifications heavily emphasize dive center operations, often diverging from the needs of marine scientists. Recognizing this gap, we’ve meticulously crafted a unique program offering aspiring marine biologists an alternative path.
Our Divemaster certification prioritizes scientific proficiency while remaining applicable to recreational professional diving. To participate in this transformative internship, students need to attain rescue certification prior to the commencement of week 2 of the internship. This program ensures a tailored, science-focused approach, equipping future marine scientists for success in both research and recreational diving realms.
