Vava’u, kingdom of Tonga
The Blue Latitudes Foundation ventured to the island of Vava’u, during the months of the humpback whale migration. The expedition examined the repercussions of localized anthropogenic change in a marine environment and evaluated the sustainability of current ecotourism practices using social and ecological surveys.
Check out our mini-documentary film linked above, produced alongside Matador Network.
MABUL, MALAYSIA
The Blue Latitudes Foundation completed an expedition to the SeaVentures Dive Rig off the island of Mabul in Malaysia. Our purpose was to research, document, and explore the ecological, economic and social implications of repurposing an oil and gas structure as an ecotourism dive resort. The expedition’s scientific dive team used stereo-video technology to quantify the degree to which the Seaventures Dive Rig contributes to marine species diversity and abundance when compared to the surrounding natural reefs. The findings of this expedition revealed that not all offshore oil and gas platforms are suitable as artificial reefs, and that structural complexity and placement play an integral role in the success of an artificial reef. Our expedition findings are critical as they broaden the dialogue on the potential positive ways to repurpose offshore structures for the benefit of the environment.
Check out our mini-documentary film linked above, produced alongside Matador Network.