Deep dives.

This project is of extreme importance as a continuation (Booster Grant) of our activities supported by Rufford Foundation behalf coral reefs conservation in Northeastern Brazil. The worst environmental problem nowadays at the reef ecosystem, and that will be the target of this project are related to increasing exploitation by tourism, lack of zoning and inspection of the coral reefs and extremely reduced number of locals qualified and trained to work and support conservation project on the reef ecosystems. Tourism in the area is exploring the coral reefs negatively, always characterized by a large number of tourists on the reef trampling on the coral reefs and with an impressive lack of ecological awareness. Therefore, if the tourist activity does not start to be regulated or at least strong environmental education campaigns conducted, the coral reefs are under severe threat. In addition, the lack of zoning and inspection of the site (well-known problem in developing country) also features a big problem, once there are no restrictions and zoning plan for the reef ecosystem. Since we started our activities funded by Rufford Foundation we are facing a lack of qualified and trained locals to support the project, but fortunately we already empowered more than 20 locals and this really seems to start changing. However, the work needs to be consistent and continuous.

This project is a continuation of our activities supported by Rufford Foundation behalf coral reefs conservation in Northeastern Brazil an area of great importance to marine biodiversity. The main aims of the project are:

(1) Final zoning implementation and oversight of a reef area,

(2) Display monthly underwater visual census analyzing fish and corals communities aiming for a long term monitoring

(3) Empower community members to act as field agents conducting surveillance in the reef;

(4) Oversee and monitor the area to avoid impacts caused by tourism

(5) Disseminate environmental education material for conservation project.