11th August - Pulau Arborek - Raja Ampat (Papua)

Tuesday 11^th August 2015

Pete is back in internet and phone range.  He has been at Pulau Agusta, being wined and dined by our Italian friends.  And now he is back at Pulau Arborek, about to do some more dives.  He did four with Marco and Mara at Agusta and now his leg is aching and he is in need of nurofen…Diving is hard work!  But he will be up and away, down into the deeps, with José  today!  

There is a bit of a conservation effort happening on Arborek Island.  They have panted lots of mangroves, to preserve the reef, the sand, the land.  And they have constructed a series of large concrete bombies…

Not sure how this is going to work.  I didn’t hear the spiel – I was struggling against the strong current while Pete went for a stroll with Gita and Ludwig ( whose name, of course, isn’t Ludwig at all but I have NO idea what it really is…Lufree, maybe??) Pete said that he was told how they are seeding the concrete edifices with coral spore and that they will eventually be dropped into the reef to bloom and flourish.  I can’t see how they can get them out to the reef without trampling on coral along the way, but…there you go; what would I know?

All of the research and development is done under the auspices of a group called Barefoot Conservation.  I have copied some info from their website, in case anyone wants to go to this lovely island:

Do you want to work in marine biology or conservation? Do you want to do something life enriching with your GAP year or career break? Are you a scuba diver who wants to take your passion to the next level?

With Barefoot Conservation you will gain practical marine conservation experience in one of the world’s most stunningly pristine and remote locations for marine research. 

·      Work with experienced marine scientists and the local community on vital marine conservation projects.

·      Learn marine biology field skills essential for scientific and marine conservation research.

·      Get involved in local community projects.

·      Gain recognized scuba diving qualifications, skills and experience. 

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Barefoot Conservation is committed to ensuring you know where every penny goes and the real difference your time with us makes.