Mangrove Matters

When it comes to scuba diving it is hard to beat exploring colourful tropical reefs, history-filled wrecks, sun-dappled kelp forests and foreboding caves. Every scuba diver has their favourite type of diving but what of mangroves? What diving opportunities are there within mangroves and why should we care about these dwindling and vital forests?Read more in my latest article for The Scuba News.http://www.thescubanews.com/2016/02/17/mangrove-matters/Mangrove-planting-with-Projects-Abroad-702x336

Bula from Fiji!

It has been a busy and exciting three weeks for me, as I have been working with Nicholas alongside the staff and volunteers at Projects Abroad shark conservation project in Viti Levu, Fiji. I had been looking forward to visiting Fiji and, despite the utter lack of sunshine, it has been a wonderful experience.The Fijians are kind, friendly and welcoming people who offer bright smiles and greetings whenever you see them, even in the cities such as Suva. The island itself is covered with lush jungle greenery and is of course fringed by beautiful tropical beaches and the coconut palms that Fiji is known for. The river banks are home to mangrove forests, which are a vital ecosystem for the health of the oceans and many species of animal. I was fascinated to learn about the importance of mangroves during my time on Fiji and thoroughly enjoyed a day of mangrove reforestation - during which we planted 7000 mangroves! 
 It is our final two days on Fiji now before we begin a long journey to Kuala Lumpur that will fly via Melbourne, Auckland, Hong Kong and Singapore. I can't say I am looking forward to that many flights in one go but it'll be worth it when we reach Kuala Lumpur, where we intend to enjoy a week of sampling the city that is known for its fantastic cuisine.