Protect Sharks from Becoming Extinct

Dear Supporters,

Over the last 3 months we have had some considerable but great changes to our base over here in the Seychelles. With these changes we are now ever so close to putting the final touches on what will be a life changing opportunity for the local Seychellois and those looking to become leaders in the diving industry or to progress themselves in marine research. 

In the last 3 months we have been in contact with the Seychelles Maritime Academy where we have been discussing the opportunity to develop a program where we can select some of their best students and give them an opportunity to gain their open water diving certification with PADI. Due to the costs involved, this would open up opportunities that some students would not think they could have allowing them to then gain further experience at a number of environmental organisations around the Seychelles, or focus on homing their diving skills and moving on to becoming professionals in the diving industry, leading dives as PADI dive masters.

At the moment there are 2 main challenges that face us. First of all, we need to develop an impartial way of selecting the students where we assess their needs and their potential. The 2nd challenge that awaits us is the cost. The cost of an open water qualification here in the Seychelles can range from €330 to €450 depending on the time of year, equipment rental, and dive centre. This is where you come in. A small donation in passing, or fundraising money towards such a program can help fund students through this charitable trust program and help them gain their open water certification. It might be that you are a diver and hold a sponsored beach clean or dive site cleanup for us? You might realise that this is something you want to get behind personally and run a marathon? You may even realise that this is something you company can back because we have similar aims and objectives?

So why help us? This program will open up doors for the students. Great! In the long run how can this help? Once they take their step to becoming a marine conservationist or professional dive master they will, knowing or unknowing, start working towards the United Nations Sustainable Goals. The first being ‘Quality Education’, where they will hopefully start educating locals in best practices with regards to coral reef health, biodiversity, and sustainable practices to name a few. The second is ‘Life Below Water’ where they will hopefully take part in and lead Dive Against Debris dives, promote coastal debris clean ups, and assist in monitoring marine national parks around their home country, Seychelles. The third and final is ‘Partnerships For The Goals’ where they may end up working with different partner organisations across the Seychelles to gain further experience, development, and share research.

Everyone here over at Cap Ternay will just like to say many thanks to all of you who can help develop this program to its full potential.

With Gratitude,

Seychelles Cap Ternay Marine