Earlier this year, Explorer Ventures Nimrod Explorer became a project partner in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's (GBRMPA) "Eye on the Reef" initiative. The initiative is an environmental monitoring, education and stewardship program. The primary aim of the program is to facilitate information between project partners and obtain information about sites within the Great Barrier Reef.

Mr. Demi Yokota, Nimrod Explorer's head dive instructor participated in an at-sea training session in June which was organized by the GBRMPA. Marine Biologists with coral specialties offered guided dives for participants and conducted training on scientific monitoring methods.

Demi and crew members of the Nimrod Explorer will be responsible for monitoring a particular dive site located along the Ribbon Reef and report their finding to the GBRMPA. These sites will be monitored each week for coral diseases, bleaching, turbidity, and the water temperature, crown of thorn starfish and their numbers as well as spawning activity of iconic and protected marine species.

The monitoring program for Pixie Pinnacle, which the Nimrod Explorer is responsible, began on the 17th June 2007. We are pleased to report the coral condition is very good! The last several weeks Coral Trout, male and female Maori Wrasse, Red Bass, Titan Triggerfish, Grey Reef Whaler Sharks, Dwarf Minke Whales, Sea Cucumbers, and a Wobbegong have all been seen at Pixie Pinnacle. The Nimrod Explorer and her crew will continue to keep a close "Eye on the Reef."

For further information on all our fleet destinations and reservations, please visit www.explorerventures.com or contact Explorer Ventures Ltd. at [email protected]; USA/Canada 800-322-3577 - International +1.903.887.8521.