| May 15, 2010 – Reef Check & Koh Tao’s EMP |
In the last few months Eco Koh Tao has joined forces with Crystal Dive, Koh Tao’s award winning dive centre to take their focus on environmental concerns a step further. By ensuring excellence in dive training Crystal Dive has become a leader in this very competitive community and this commitment to diver and dive leader training continues as they endeavour to ensure all their dive leaders are eco-savvy. |
Jemima Greenacre noting down what she sees during her Reef Check training. |
Over the past few months Eco Koh Tao has been given the task of training all Crystal’s dive leaders in Reef Check Eco-Monitoring program in conjunction with Koh Tao’s local version the Koh Tao EMP.
Reef Check is conducted under to auspices of Reef Check International whereas the Koh Tao EMP is conducted in conjunction with Marine Conservation Koh Tao. Both surveys cover similar elements of the ecosystem but the local EMP is much more relevant to our local species.
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Debbie Gottdenker surveying the terrain |
Helen McDowell enjoying the survey work underwater |
We recently finished a course with 2 more dive leaders, Jemima Greenacre and Nir Miller who were very enthusiastic about the level of training and knowledge they gained over their three day course. Even the more experienced divers who have been confident in their dive skills have been impressed how much their horizons have expanded with this new approach.
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Nir Miller, instructor at Crsytal Dive looking relaxed during his reef check training |
Our Reef Check Survey crew after another successful survey on Koh Tao's reefs. |
To complete our training the crew along with some experienced ‘ecodivers’ surveyed a local site, Twins. Thanks to all who participated once again especially my right hand assistants –Simon & Jenny Dowling & Debbie Gottdenker. |
