Help protect the coral reefs of Hideaway Island

Hideaway Island is a tiny coral island located just off the main island of Efate in Vanuatu, 15 minutes south of Port Villa. Extensive coral reefs encircle the island and it is these reefs that staff and students of the University of Newcastle are working to protect.

Marine Science lecturer, Dr Ken Zimmerman, is organising the biannual excursion again this year to Hideaway Island where participants will have the opportunity to get hands on experience with projects that aim to protect and regenerate the coral reefs.

During the trips last year, Ken and his team started a coral reef replanting program that will help restore parts of the reef damaged by storms and fishing.

A reef monitoring system was also introduced to continually examine the health of existing coral reefs and look for changes over time.

There are two separate trips in July and December this year which are open to all students, but specifically those enrolling in MARI3140, as well as staff and the wider community.

July 2013 travel plans:

Depart: Sunday July 14, 2013
Return: Sunday July 21, 2013
Price: $1875 and includes return airfares from Sydney with Air Vanuatu, accommodation for seven nights and all meals, airport taxes and travel insurance.

A variety of participation levels are available to choose from that cater for individual qualifications and interest.

Students will have the opportunity to carry out field research while general participants can observe the research work or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery.

To book or find out more information, please contact Ken Zimmerman by email at Kenneth.zimmerman@newcastle.edu.au or call (02)43 484127.