Thursday, May 31, 2007

Whale Shark Research and Golden Buddha!!!


We are proud to announce an exciting project for the upcoming season. We are partnering with Golden Buddha Resort to offer several Whale Shark Research Projects!!!

These will be week-long projects with visits to Richelieu Rock and unexplored local reefs as directed by the indigenous population. Additionally there will be exploration of the Mangroves and surrounding areas. Our objective is to aid in a worldwide effort to track the migratory patterns of the Whale Sharks as part of a program designed and implemented by EcOcean.


We will try to document through photographs and descriptions the various Whale Sharks that we see. Then our information is pooled with hundreds of other photographs and descriptions on Ecocean’s amazing database. Then we try to track the migratory patterns of these gentle giants.
As so little is known about their migratory patterns and even where they give birth, this is instrumental in affecting global action regarding the preservation of this endangered species. (The Whale Shark was listed under CITES as dangerously at risk of extinction in 2001)

As part of this project we will visit
Richelieu Rock (one of the most frequent sites for Whale Sharks in the region) in addition to other nearby sites (Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Surin Islands – depending on weather).
Finally by enlisting the aid of the indigenous population on (Koh Phra Thong) we will also follow their directions to recent sightings by fishermen and to sites where the Whale Sharks are rumored to congregate several times a year!
Each night will be highlighted by a slideshow of the days collected data, followed by lectures/discussions about the project, how to help and what to do when not in Whale Shark Country…
Overnight we stay in one of the many luxurious homes that make up the Resort. These are amazing homes individually designed. This is NOT your average factory resort, this is a community!
Each morning is greeted by the songs of rare and endemic species of birds, a delicious Brunch and then – more diving.

Golden Buddha resort is located on Koh Phra Thong. This is home to one of the only nesting grounds remaining in SE Asia for the Leatherback Turtles(there are conservation programs in planning phases now). The Island is also famous for Bird Watching, Kayak Tours and is home to some special Muck Diving.
By using the local population, rather than itinerant workers, Golden Buddha makes a direct and a tangible impact in the local economy. In addition to generating income you will be helping change the way Fish and other species in the area are seen seen. A turtle hatchling is worth hundreds of Euros in present and future income versus a bowl of soup.

Wicked Diving is proud to be partners with one of the only resorts in Thailand to emphasize the Think globally – Act Locally attitude. This is THE ONLY Resort outside of Australia participating in the Ecocean project. We will be providing all support, staff and training for the upcoming Ecocean projects and the many other projects in the near future. Keep Checking back for more information and schedules.

1 comments:

Markus said…

Paul, this is great! I just wanted to thanks to you and all those in Khao Lak who have helped make this conservation and educational project a reality. Thanks again.