Explore and Protect Pristine Micronesian Reefs during 16th Annual Coral Monitoring Project

(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 02, 2011 ) KOSRAE, Micronesia- Kosrae Village has begun to accept volunteers for the 16th Annual Coral Monitoring Project. This two-week survey brings volunteer scuba divers from around the world to the pristine fringing reefs of Kosrae Island. Data collected during the survey is used by local, regional, and international organizations

The week begins with checkout dives followed by hands-on data collection training. For divers who need a refresher or are not nitrox certified, there are skills classes and a nitrox orientation free of charge to volunteers. Days are divided with one working and one fun dive each diving day. Conditions typically include 150+ foot visibility with air and water temperatures around 84Â°F. Monitoring team members are self-funded with on island costs subsidized by Kosrae Village. A special volunteer package is available for $1850 per person. Package includes 13 nights lodging, state lodging taxes, project fee, nitrox and all other diving related expenses.

Kosrae Village and OceanEarth, a 501(c)3 corporation, have worked together since the project began in 1996. Collected data is submitted to the Kosrae Island Resource Management Authority and Micronesia Conservation TrustÂ’s regional coral databases. The information has already been used to declare the Bumphead Parrotfish a protected species in Kosraen waters. In 2005, Kosrae Village organized the Kosrae Reef Protection Community Action Committee which has been the catalyst for deeper direct community involvement. The Coral Monitoring Project and Kosrae Reef Protection Community Action Committee are part of Kosrae VillageÂ’s larger Reef Protection Project.

KosraeÂ’s reef is one of the most pristine hard coral reefs in the world. The reef is protected by over 50 mooring buoys, installed over two years by volunteers. Installation and upkeep of the mooring buoys is another part of the Reef Protection Project.

Kosrae Village, a dive and eco adventure resort located in Micronesia, consists of traditional Kosraen cottages, a favorite local restaurant, and PADI 5 star dive center. The resort was opened in 1995 by California-natives Katrina Adams and Bruce Brandt, and local-resident Madison Nena. In addition to diving excursions, Kosrae Village offers inland adventures including rainforest hikes, mangrove paddling, and archaeological ruin treks.

For more information about Kosrae Village or the Reef Protection Projects visit www.kosraevillage.com or contact Katrina Adams at Katrina@kosraevillage.com.

Kosrae Village
CONTACT: Katrina Adams
PHONE: 691.370.3483
EMAIL: Katrina@kosraevillage.com
WEB: www.kosraevillage.com
View Kosrae Village media kit

Kosrae Village
Amy Shadell
970-568-7423
Amy@adventuremedianews.com