Reminiscing before departure
It’s the final days of the expedition, and i can’t believe it has been 6 weeks, the time has passed so quickly. Mind you, we have done so much in that time, its amazing how we’ve fitted it all in....
New study shows how marine protected areas can increase productivity of fishing industry
Marine protected areas may hold the key to keeping global fishing industries healthy and profitable, a new scientific study in Madagascar reveals. The study looked at a community-run marine protected area (MPA) in southwest Madagascar that implemented seasonal fishing closures...
New Species found on the Madagascar Ridge
A recent haul by a Spanish fishing vessel docking in Durban, South Africa contained a number of lobsters of unknown species. Fishing in the Walters Shoals area, a high seas submerged seamount 700km off the southern tip of Madagascar, the...
Fearsome fish and tasty treats
As we progress into the fourth week of this expedition, all volunteers are well and truly settled in. The temperature is absolutely gorgeous and a steady 32 degrees. Today the water temperature was 29 degrees, with superb underwater visibility. Part...
Volunteer report
After arriving in Andavadoaka as a complete diving novice, I have completed my training to PADI Advanced Open Water level. I’ve passed the tests to allow me to contribute to BV’s science program by conducting Point Intersect Transects (PITs) and...
An Italian’s Blue (Ad)venture
End of week 4 of expedition 26. Only two more weeks and my little ‘Blue Adventure’ will come to an end. Time flies here in Anadavadoaka, yet when I think of the day we arrived here dazed and tired from...
Reflections and Recruitment!
So here I sit, as attentive shore marshall for the 6am dive on the 7th of December 2006. As I look out of the “Nosy Cao” window (our classroom-computer-communal room) onto the turquoise Mozambique Channel at the crashing thunderous high...
Guardian article highlights threats of climate change on marine systems
The Guardian today published a fascinating and important study on the destruction climate change is having on tropical marine systems. The article reported on a new study showing that as waters warm, microscopic plants at the bottom of the ocean...
Blue Ventures’ Volunteers Come to the Small Screen
Here’s your chance to see Blue Ventures and its work in Andavadoaka from the comfort of your own home. As part of Volunteering Week from the 8th – 14th January 2007, Blue Ventures will be featured in a film shown...
Expedition 26- Volunteer update
Well, expedition 26 to which I belong is already halfway through! I can hardy believe it, the time is passing more quickly everyday.I arrived here in November as a newly qualified diver with zero science training, (normally i’m a fashion...
A tail of 17 wrasses…
Learning to identify the 150 fish species we monitor on the reefs is quite a challenge, and as part of their training volunteers each have to prepare a fish presentation for the group on one of the many families. A...
Andavadoaka donates land for eco-lodge
Andavadoaka’s village leaders have officially donated 3,600 square metres of land for the construction of its new eco-lodge. Blue Ventures is now developing plans for the lodge which will be fully owned and operated by Andavadoaka and provide the community...
New James Bond flick brings Blue Ventures alum to the big screen
The new James Bond flick, Casino Royale, brings 007 to Madagascar for his first mission, and a former Blue Ventures staff member to the big screen. Eric Jaona, a Malagasy national and former translator with Blue Ventures, provided background voices...