Coral Reef Conservation In Seychelles

Explorer Robert Swan, once said,  "The greatest danger to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."

Through this project we do take action. We continue to clean the beaches and the ocean floor as well as motivating both adults and children to love and understand the ocean.

Regular beach cleans are part of this project.  Clearing debris from the beach allows us to clear items that are a threat to marine life. 

It is good to stop and think about the importance of beach cleans.

Let's take the example of just one ciarette butt washed up on the beach, not picked up, and then swept out to sea again a few days later.  It may seem such a small thing but it's estimated that even one cigarette butt is toxic to about 500 litres of water. They take around ten years to decompose but even then, the plastic, arsenic, lead, copper and nicotine in a butt remain in the ocean for longer, with ongoing affects.

Every single item we collect on a beach clean makes a difference to our oceans.

Dive Against Debris, known as 'DAD dives' are conducted weekly in Seychelles and are part of a world movement. The good news is that the amount of debris in the area has reduced in recent times. Most of the debris we still collect are fishing lines, beer cans and bottles. 

Even one piece of debris in the ocean is too much! Let's take the example one aliminium can. Branding labels contain toxic inks and a can has a thin plastic interior. A can may take over 200 years, to break down but the thin plastic lininng will last much much longer. One single aliminium can creates a threat to marine life over centuries.  Any debris we can remove from the ocean, such as aluminium cans, makes a difference.

One of the most effective ways to make change is to educate the next generation.  If students understand and respect the ocean environment, they are more likely to support conservation efforts and make wise decisions.  It is especially important to those growing up in island environments.  We are supporting local schools with equipment for snorkel practice and training. Through this, students have the opportunity to  make a strong connection to their local marine environment. 

We thank you for your ongoing support of this project, your support is appreciated.