Corallivores and outbreaks
1 day session with marine ecology class and guided dives (scuba or snorkel)
Service Description
Crown of Thorns starfishes (Acanthaster planci) are some of the most famous corallivores organisms, preying on coral polyps. A single individual can be responsible for devouring 10 square meters of coral a year. In this time of conservation fight to protect coral ecosystems, such organisms often have bad reputation. But did you know that they are actually necessary to maintain reef health ? Learn more about local coral predators in this speciality class. This class is an advanced specialty class for students that already followed Coral Ecology & identification L1. Standards - Learn more in depth about ecology of the Crown of Thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), Drupella Snails (Drupella cornus, Drupella Rigosa) and Coralliophila snail (coralliophila violacea). - Learn about the difference between healthy populations of corallivores and outbreaks. Discuss what constitutes an outbreak, study case scenario, and what can be done to safely support reef health - Recognize a healthy coral from a predated one and learn to identify the local species of corallivores. Inclusions - 1 classroom session - 2 identification scuba dives with an instructor (or guided snorkeling / free diving sessions) to complement classroom session and develop identification skills. - Dive and snorkeling equipment is included along with marine fee - Vegetarian lunch & snacks included Format This course include marine-based field activities and is available under 2 formats: - Scuba Diving (recommended)* - Free diving / Snorkeling Prerequisites for snorkelers - Ability to swim comfortably (without swimming aid) - Previous experience with a mask, snorkel and fins are required*. Prerequisites for Scuba divers - An open water certification (PADI, SSI, RAID, CMAS, etc.) is required*. - Ability to control your buoyancy easily OR a buoyancy workshop with CRCP done this year*. *(Comfort in the water and buoyancy control are very important to us which is why we have these keen requirements. This is because on this program we will be teaching you closely about very small and fragile marine ecosystems and its organisms and we wouldn’t want you or them to get injured or harmed in the process. If you do not yet fit the requirements we can provide scuba dive training. Have a look on the scuba training section.) Timelines This class is usually from 8am to 3pm but this can vary per session, double check for your preferred date. No scheduled class? Contact us!
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
Our booking policy is as follows: • A booking is considered secured, when a date is agreed, and a non-refundable deposit has been paid. Until then a placement is not secured. • The outstanding balance is kindly to be paid at least a month before arrival. In case of bookings within a month of arrival, full amount is to be paid as soon as possible. • Those who wish to pay everything in one go to avoid additional banking fees, may do so. Our cancellation policy is as follows: • Cancellation for any reason at all, 60 or more days before your arrival will result in a complete refund, less the non-refundable booking fee. • Cancellation 59-42 days prior to arrival will result in a partial 75% refund, less the non- refundable booking fee. • Cancellation 41-22 days prior to arrival will result in a partial 50% refund, less the non-refundable booking fee. • Any cancellation within the last 21 days before your arrival, will not result in a refund. • No refunds will be issued for stays cut short while on base. • Any refunds cannot exceed the sum actually received by CRCP, so any receiving banking fee charges will be deducted from any refunds. If you need to cancel, we allow rescheduling without additional charges as long as you warn us at least a month before the booked program start. How to send payment: Payments can be received in Philippine PESOS through bank transfer or online payment platform such as Paypal. Please contact us directly if you wish to pay via bank transfer.