Dive training for coral reef monitoring in the Comoros

C3 trained four young Comorians involved in marine conservation as PADI Open Water Divers to increase coral reef monitoring capacity in the country.  Soilih Ahmed Youssouf and Mmadi Ahamada are involved in the setup of the second Marine Protected Area on the Comoros, the Coelacanth Park.  They hope that this dive training will assist them in surveying the narrow shelf of young coral reef that exists within the park.  Amjadi Abdallah Mosoli is an ecoguide for Mohéli Marine Park, and will help the two other SCUBA-qualified staff  with the park's coral reef monitoring programme.  Mouhoutari Ahamada is a member of AIDE and already takes part in coral reef monitoring of shallower areas using snorkelling; his new-found dive skills will enable him to apply these survey techniques to deeper water using SCUBA.  C3 is grateful to Reef Conservation UK (RCUK) for providing funding for this work.

Related publications:

Poonian CNS (2006) COMMUNITY CENTRED CONSERVATION IN THE COMOROS. ICRI Newsletter February 2006