Coral Reef Check Saving Sri Lanka Coral Reefs Volunteers are assessing the impact of fisherman , divers and recreational boat drivers on the sustainable management of the Sri Lankas’ spectacular coral reefs. CORAL REEF AT HIKKADUWA The Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary is located in the southern province is one of the most densely developed tourism site in Sri Lanka and encompasses the first national marine sanctuary established in 1079. It is 45 ha in extend, with about 25ha of corals within and abutting the sanctuary. This area is endowed with a near – shore coral reef with about 60 coral species and fish species. Early morning at 9.00 AM you are ready for your first dive of the day. Grabbing your mask, regulator, writing slate, and surveying tape , you step off the boat into the blue. Your task is o measure and document the percentage of living and dead corals , rock rubble, sand, algae and seagrass that lie along each meter of your 50M tape. You can also study, identify and count rear exotic fish and other colorful denizens, the more you see of these coral grazers and other coral community members , the healthier the reef must be to support them. You’re diving for a good cause. Sri Lankans depend on fish for 80 percent of their animal protein, yet over the past four decades , over fishing, illegal dynamiting of fish, and more recently, careless anchoring by fisher and tourist boats have damaged local reef ecosystems. You can also assess the damage course by sedimentation, trampling by visitors to the sanctuary, pollution etc.. volunteers will be in the water under bright sunlight with Sri Lankan counterparts. Volunteers also survey hard Corals, gorgonians, sponges, algae, Reef fish, map transect sites. Each group of volunteers will prepare a short report on heir findings . Your findings and observations will helping local communities in Sri Lanka to save their own reefs while expanding the diving and resort business on a small , sustainable scale. R.K. Somadasa de Silva: Director – International Diving School - Sri Lanka During your volunteer period of Diving and Coral Survey MR. Somadasa will instruct you to achieve your task. We operate our Corals & Diving programs with collaboration of International Diving Scholl with the leadership of Mr. Somadasa . He is one of the veteran in Corals in Sri Lanka having more than 30 years of experience. Corals as well as diving, Known as “Some“ among international divers and Marine volunteers visiting Sri Lanka. Qualified in United Kingdom , Singapore and in Germany. “Some” and his staff will co-operate with you in guiding and supervision of the work of your volunteering. Recreational Activities Your leisure time “ Some’ will take you under water expeditions with several dives which includes wreck diving and several important dive sites in an around Hikkaduwa. You can see sunken ships at over 200 years, colorful reef fish, , even turtles, rays, whale shark and dolphins. Under Water Wedding If you are young and expected to get your wedding in near future. You can feel and experience an extraordinary engagement , reminiscent of great adventures under the water of the Indian Ocean. Request us early to organize your under water wedding in Sri Lanka. FIELD CONDITIONS To take part in Coral Expedition you should be strong swimmers with snorkeling experience. If you are not having any experience in Diving ‘Some” will train you by specialized short tern training course. If you are interested you can get your PADI certificate before you engaged in diving in Sri Lanka. During the period of Coral Expedition and diving you will be provide accommodation in a coast guest house or with home stay with a coastal family. You will be reaside at a pleasant small dive resort with double room, including all amenities and a fan. You will receive three meals per day.., including simple breakfasts and healthy dinner of rice , fish and vegetables in the Sri Lankan style.