Kosrae, Micronesia - Kosrae Village Ecolodge and Dive Resort, together with oceanearth, will be conducting the 12th annual Mooring Buoy and Reef Protection Project from September 25 to October 10, 2008. A two-week participation package includes 13 nights at Kosrae Village Resort, airfare from San Francisco or Los Angeles, and diving support starts at about $3700. oceanearth's 501(c)(3) non-profit status allows US residents participating in the project to deduct some or all of the related expenses (including travel), so divers can enjoy Kosrae's pristine reefs and crystal clear waterways knowing that they are contributing to the future health of both the environment and their pocketbook.

Kosrae Village opened for business in September 1995 and began the formal Reef Protection Project program in 1996. That fall, volunteer sport divers joined Kosrae Village owners and staff in the first coral monitoring session of Kosrae's pristine reef. Since then, divers have been returning each year to collect and analyze underwater data, gain a deeper appreciation for the reef ecosystem and strengthen their diving skills. Most of the project work is coral monitoring, but other activities like maintaining or expanding the mooring buoy system also occur. The data collected during these dives is then distributed to the island's resource managers for use in their management plans and to Reef Check for inclusion in their international coral status database.

oceanearth has assisted with logistical support for the coral monitoring and mooring buoy programs since 1996, and Dr. Steven Smith provides pre-program training and informational materials for the volunteers. The organization was recently granted 501(c)3 status by the US Internal Revenue Service, which means that US participants can claim a charitable contribution deduction if they actively participate in a majority of the reef monitoring activities. Generally, a tax deduction is allowed for travel expenses incurred while away from home performing services for a charitable organization. In order to qualify for tax deductibility, volunteers must participate in the program activities. Optional activities, not included in the Reef Protection Program, would not be eligible for the tax deductions. For the divers who participate in the project by visiting selected sites around the island to measure the water's temperature and salinity, count marine life, track visibility, and record the status of the coral - while diving in 84 degree clear water surrounded by turtles, barracudas and rare tropical fish, it may not feel like volunteering at all. Specific details on tax deductions are available at www.oceanearth.org/taxinfo.html.

Kosrae Village Resort is the first and only ecolodge and dive resort in Kosrae, and was eco-friendly before it was the "in" thing. The resort was awarded Islands Magazine's Global Sustainable Tourism Award in December 2007; was included in National Geographic Adventure Magazine's selection of the world's best eco outfitters, and was awarded the 2006 Project Aware Environmental Achievement Award.