humpback whale

Junior ReefDoctors go Whale Watching!

/in /by

WWPic7The whale watching season in the south east of Madagascar runs from the end of June to the start of September every year. Whale watching is a very popular tourist attraction here and around the world.

WWPic2During this year’s season, the Junior ReefDoctors undertook a study programme on whales and completed a quiz as part of their marine conservation curriculum. In August, the 23 ReefDoctor Juniors accompanied by ReefDoctor staff Rinah, Apo, Manjo and Francois, got the opportunity to take to deep waters to do some whale watching of their own as a reward for all their hard work.WWPic5

 

 

The group headed off early on ReefDoctor’s boat, Fay, together with two boats and crew generously provided by Paradisier Eco Lodge of Beravy and Jean Pierre of Atimo Plongee Dive Centre in Mangily. Once everyone had their lifejacket on and taken a seat on the boat they were off! Most of the children had never been on a powerboat or even been outside the Bay of Ranobe before so there was great excitement all round (and a little bit of seasickness!).

On the exterior, all eyes were on deck and everyone kept an eager look out for Humpback whales. It was not long before the group was rewarded with a sighting of a mother and baby, a group of four adults, and seven dolphins! The whales breached to the awed wonder of the juniors. One whale even chose to show its tail fluke. The juniors were surprised and amazed by the experience of seeing Humpback whales, which quickly got rid of any feelings of seasickness or deep water anxiety.

WWPic3

It was then time to put the hydrophone in the water to see if any singing males could be heard. It is not guaranteed that whale watchers will get to hear whale song but the group got lucky again and heard a male singing on the first try! After a thrilling morning of whale watching the group returned to shore, a slightly salty but very happy bunch.

WWPic6

ReefDoctor would like to thank Paradisier Eco Lodge and Atimo Plongee for providing boats, crew and this amazing opportunity for the Junior ReefDoctors.

WWPicGroupPic1

beach clean

Junior ReefDoctors Tackle Littering

/in /by
Story by Dan Guerin

Junior ReefDoctors dancing at a presentation in Ifaty.Junior ReefDoctors provided an energetic presentation to Ifaty residents this weekend, aiming to address the problems of littering. The event was well attended by the children’s families, village Elders, teachers, fisheries association Fi.Mi.Ha.Ra, villagers and ReefDoctor representatives.

A poor and remote area of Madagascar, Ifaty lacks infrastructure for waste collection and management which inevitably results in the spread of litter across adjacent land and coastline. Through weekly classes at ReefDoctor and active participation in regular beach-cleans, the children learn the negative effects of littering and it’s impact on the marine environment, and are keen to spread awareness throughout the community.

Junior ReefDoctors make a powerful conduit for communicating the message of conservation to their families and wider community, who might otherwise not have time to give it much consideration. Presenting to a large audience also helps the children to gain self-confidence in public speaking and affords them the opportunity to share their beliefs with a wider audience.

Junior ReefDoctors dancing at a presentation in Ifaty.The event held at Ifaty’s school, opened with an enthusiastic speech by the school’s Director, followed by songs written by Junior ReefDoctors, individual presentations, performance and dance. Labelling the day a great success, Rinah Rakotondrazaka, ReefDoctor’s Head of Community Education said: “This was a great opportunity to teach the community about the dangers of their actions to the environment, through the Junior ReefDoctors. The children had a great time, as did the audience who’s feedback was universally positive. As a result of the event, there has even been talk of introducing new dina [local law] specifically addressing littering!”