We are very proud to announce, that the Dive Shop Cambodia provided logistical support helping to create a Reef Check team in Cambodia. After the training weekend, held in early July in Sihanoukville, a solid team has been established that is able to conduct marine species abundance surveys. The training was facilitated by Kim Sour a tropical marine ecologist from the Cambodian Ministry of Fisheries (FiA), who was very happy to see the support and interest from the team in conserving a marine environment.
The team decided not only to use this expertise to support Reef Check, but also to establish a research team, that is willing to support the local government to maintain Cambodia’s natural marine resources. Officials from the Ministry of Fisheries (FiA) have let us know they are very pleased to hear we are supporting the reef watch team.
At the moment the research team is aiming for a long lasting relationship with FiA, to perform data collection in support of the FiA’s objectives for the future conservation of several sites, in order to protect rare and endangered species such as seahorse and colorful nudibranchs. With the training complete the group of scientists has further received support from The Dive Shop Cambodia, whom is giving logistical support to collect as much data as possible from a number of sites around the islands off Sihanoukville. Both the marine research team and the FiA are looking forward to a productive working relationship to conserve the marine environment of Cambodia.
Besides providing support to the Marine research team and Reef Check activities, The Dive Shop will continue their project on building relationships with local communities on the island Koh Rung Samleom, We are glad that all our efforts so far are bearing fruits.
In regards to the training, it has been one of the most positive experiences so far. This is a great step toward marine protection and all participants felt it was an incredibly positive day.
A very big THANK YOU to everyone who is, or has been involved in making this all possible.
If you are interested in becoming involved in one of these activities after reading our message, please feel free to contact us at scubadiving@diveshopcambodia.com
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cambodia, dive, diving, conservation, reef, seahorses, nudibranchs
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