Sharks Without the Bite
By Margo Simon I saw my first shark today, albeit in pieces. I had hoped that while diving in the wild waters of Madagascar, I would come across a multitude of fascinating sea creatures, especially sharks, although hopefully from a...
The Case of the Disappearing Sea Cucumbers
by John MacMahon One of the projects that Blue Ventures has got involved with in order to empower the local people, and give a sustainable alternative to traditional fishing is that of sea cucumber farming. Approximately 2 weeks prior to...
The Turtle Fomba
by Charlotte Coombes Lyubomir, Alan, Sonia, John, Vicky, Kate and I went on a trip to the village of Lamboara. The villagers there have decided to close off a beach so that turtles can nest in peace. Blue Ventures initiated...
Axelle and the Zenga Foti
By Axelle, Expedition Manager in Andava I arrived on the 1st of August to take the role of Expedition Manager. I must say that the last two months were full on, and I struggled to know what to tell my...
A honeymoon with a difference
by Will and Kate Turner Life is made of experiences, and this has been one of the best. We decided that an expedition with Blue Ventures would be a unique honeymoon, and give us the opportunity to make a difference...
The end of the August 2008 expedition
By Louis Pearson Yesterday was the penultimate day of the August 2008 expedition, Sunday 21st September 2008. And it was the day that the postponed PADI Project Aware International Beach Clean Up Day was to be held (postponed due to...
Turbulent Times
By Josh This past week saw the arrival of an unwelcome guest in the form of gale force winds that whipped the seas into a bit of a frenzy and turned the underwater world into pea soup. Not to be...
Trigger Fish
From Sarah Joy Linstead It’s my 3rd week in Andavadoaka and we’re nearly half way through the expedition already. Time flies in paradise. I came here to be with my boyfriend Louis, one of BV’s field scientists, but I’m also...
The First Days in Andavadoaka
“A Recipe of Perfection” By Dannie & Yiannie Ingredients: Using the most peaceful and beautiful landscape of the world Begin by never-ending blueness of ocean, Adding plenty of fine and silky – almost silver sand. Break into this a perfectly...
It depends on the wind
From our outgoing expedition manager, Ruth Rosselson It’s the end of our June expedition, and the end of my time here as Expedition Manager. I’ve had a fantastic year but it’s definitely time to say goodbye to Andavadoaka and move...
Sleeping under the stars
From our new Field Scientist, Nikkita Lawson Humpback whale season in the region has officially started! 17 whales were spotted by two lucky volunteers – Ali and Roger – during their shift on our whale watching platform. We even...
My Last weekend in Andavadoaka
From Rebecca Hill, Expedition Medic. What a way to leave Andava! It has been an action packed weekend, starting with the second STI awareness drama competition so far. Up until Saturday, one group from the village had submitted their entry,...
Fomba
From Oliver Houston Last week the entire group of staff and volunteers from Blue Ventures were invited to attend a fomba in the nearby village of Ambalarao. A fomba is where people who contain the spirits of ancestors release those...
Whales, octopus and pirogues
My third week in Andavadoaka (as seen by Kelsey Johnston) This week started pretty typically: 6am boat marshalling on Monday followed by two awesome dives (yay!), English teaching on Tuesday evening, a film on Wednesday night and a good dose...
Overnight Pirogue Trip
From BV volunteer Roger Vaughan, a retired teacher from California. Over the past few days I have had the opportunity to travel afield with BV staff members Lalao and Thomas, and volunteers Ben (U. Sheffield grad student), Ali (U. Montreal recent...