Category: Uncategorised
New species and possible cures
A new species of bat has been discovered, Myzopoda schliemanni, in the dry western forests of Madagascar. New research published onine in the journal Mmmalian Biology states that the new species is particularly unusual as it belongs to very rare...
Interphase tranquility
It’s maintenance fortnight and a cool humid 35 degrees here in Andavadoaka. With an unusually long window between expeditions over the festive season, those of us left behind during this blissfully quiet time on site have a daunting schedule of...
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...
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...
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...
Wish you were here?-Report from the site doctor
It has been 2 months now since I arrived on site and started my new role as the expedition medic- or “Raduku” as the Malagasy folks call me, but there isn’t a day that goes by without my having to...
Blue Ventures wins ‘Highly Commended’ Honours in the Enterprising Young Brits Award
Blue Ventures Founder and Director of Science Alasdair Harris yesterday received the “Highly Commended” award from the Enterprising Young Brits competition which recognizes young entrepreneurs who have turned their ideas into successful businesses.Harris, who was selected from more than 1,000...
Vote for your favorite entrepreneur
Blue Ventures’ own Alasdair Harris, director of science and co-founder, has been nominated for the “Enterprising Young Brits” award, a national and highly prestigious competition that recognizes young entrepreneurs who have turned their ideas into reality. Alasdair and Blue Ventures...
Blue Ventures Honoured by Responsible Tourism Awards for Work with Volunteers in Madagascar
Blue Ventures was honoured yesterday by the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards for its work with volunteers to protect threatened marine habitats in Madagascar. During ceremonies at the Excel Conference Centre in London, Blue Ventures was Highly Commended in the...
A Fond Farewell
As i sit here writing this blog i have to confess to a (very small and manly) lump in my throat. The cause of this discomfort is really rather simple to diagnose, for after 9 wonderful months here in Andavadoaka...