Each year, REEF volunteer citizen scientists embark on dive trips all over the world to conduct fish surveys as part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Two places we are particularly excited about visiting this year are Little Corn Island, Nicaragua, and Uepi Island in the Solomon Islands. Despite being on opposite sides of the world, these two locations are both tropical paradises known for excellent diving. Both areas are very remote, but the incredible marine life is worth the travel! It's not too late to join us on one (or both!) of these fantastic trips. Contact us at trips@REEF.org to sign up today!
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua: Aug. 24-31: REEF's inaugural Field Survey to Little Corn Island is an ideal trip for adventurous travelers and surveyors in search of a unique experience. Only two miles long by one mile wide, this island off the coast of Nicaragua is a tiny, Caribbean paradise known for calm seas and shallow reefs. There are more than 20 dive sites located around the island, and most sites are a short boat ride away. Weather permitting, the group will also have the chance to dive Little Corn's premier dive site, Blowing Rock, a volcanic rock pinnacle that has been known to attract jacks, barracuda, and the occasional mahi-mahi. Participants will be accommodated in oceanfront or garden view cabins at Little Corn Beach and Bungalow, an eco-conscious resort with an onsite restaurant.
Solomon Islands: Oct. 30-Nov. 8: This will be REEF's second Field Survey to the the Solomon Islands, which comprise one of the most intact and biologically rich oceanic archipelagos on Earth. In fact, the region was identified as a “Bright Spot” in a 2016 study published in the scientific journal Nature. In the study, the Solomon Islands were designated as a location where coral reefs are flourishing despite environmental pressures. This land-based trip to Uepi Island Resort will feature plenty of opportunities for diving Marovo Lagoon, the longest saltwater lagoon in the world. With its many complex terrestrial and marine habitats, the diversity of Marovo Lagoon is outstanding. In 2017, REEF surveyors in the Solomon Islands documented 786 species over 10 days, and we will try to increase that number on this trip!