SEACOLOGY E-NEWS UPDATE Project Updates COOK ISLANDS, Mitiaro Island
Renovation of eight community water tanks, purchase of 60 household waste bins and construction of paths and hand rails in exchange for the establishment of a 2,965-acre forest protected area for a duration of 10 years  We received a report from Cook Islands field representative Allan Tuara saying this project is moving towards completion. Six of the water tanks have been renovated, and the others will be finished at the end of the dry season. Hand rails and steps to the water caves have been installed to increase accessibility of fresh water supply. Allan also reported that the project was featured on Cook Islands Television News.
Pictured above is the community of Mitiaro holding a sign reading “Thank you Seacology from the people of Mitiaro.” Full Project Description AMERICAN SAMOA, Pago Pago Village, Tutuila Island
Phase 3: Eradicate the dense stands of the destructive invasive tree (Falcataria moluccana), adjacent to the National Park areas of American Samoa (NPSA)  A crew of four local men began the removal of all tamaligi trees in September, to prevent the re-invasion of treated areas in the National Park. This project is attracting media attention and increasing awareness about threats to the environment: Samoa News published a story and park staff member Tavita Togia conducted two radio interviews about the project. The interviews ran both locally and on Radio New Zealand International, a media outlet that reaches many Pacific Island countries.
 To the left is Johnny Manuma, member of the Pago Pago aumaga (village troops), removing the bark of the invasive tamaligi tree.
Full Project Description
New Multimedia from the Red Sea  Last month executive director Duane Silverstein led a delegation of Seacology supporters to see our first project off the coast of Egypt. The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Organization (HEPCA) is installing a mooring buoy system in the area with the help of Seacology. Seacology funded HEPCA to install these mooring buoys so that boats will not have to drop their anchors on fragile coral reefs (above right, board member Doug Herst installs one of the buoys; photo credit: Jeff Yonover).
 During the recent Seacology expedition Amr Ali, executive director of HEPCA, briefed the Seacology group on the challenges faced in protecting the diverse marine life of the Red Sea (left, photo credit: Jeff Yonover). After helping to install mooring buoys, Amr Ali led the Seacology group on a camel ride into the adjacent Wadi El Gamel national park where they participated in a Bedouin ecotourism training program.
The mooring buoys will reduce coral reef degradation by allowing boats to dock at these rather than drop anchor on top of coral, which is destructive. Be sure to check out the video of Duane and others installing a mooring buoy while they visited the area aboard the Royal Evolution.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6zRJqYkLZQ
Upcoming Seacology Travel The Seychelles ~ June 7-14, 2009
Seacology will be visiting the Seychelles, a stunning island group off the eastern coast of Africa. National Geographic Traveler has listed this trip as one of “50 Unforgettable Tours of a Lifetime.”
 Our travels take us to the Seychelles where we’ll visit charming Cousins Island, among others. Snorkeling opportunities will abound, but there will be only limited scuba diving opportunities. More information about the Seychelles trip French Polynesia ~ October 18-November 1, 2009
 Seacology will take part in Zegrahm Expeditions “Pearls of Polynesia” cruise to French Polynesia. We will be visiting legendary exotic, picturesque and romantic islands such as the Marquesas, Bora Bora, and Moorea. This voyage will take place aboard the 110-passenger, luxury adventure cruise ship, the Clipper Odyssey. This is the first ship-based excursion Seacology has ever offered that is equally suitable for divers and non-divers alike. There will be frequent opportunities to dive in such world-famous spots as Rangiroa and Fakarava, but be aware that aboard the Clipper Odyssey, diving is strictly limited to the first 16 people who sign up, so divers are well-advised to register for this trip as soon as possible. Non-divers will also enjoy the hiking, birding, snorkeling, zodiac trips, and other fun activities. On beautiful Cook’s Bay in Moorea we will be honored guests at the opening of the new Seacology-funded cultural center. This promises to be one of the biggest and most authentic Polynesian ceremonies in Moorea’s recent history. More information about the French Polynesia trip
City Arts & Lectures Event to Benefit Seacology Ted Danson & Mary Steenburgen
Wednesday, January 21 @ 7pm Seacology is very excited to announce that tickets are now available for the onstage conversation, featuring film clips, with Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen at Herbst Theatre on Wednesday, January 21. To purchase tickets for the evening, please contact the City Arts & Lectures box office at (415) 392-4400. Tickets are available for $20 each and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Herbst Theatre is located at 401 Van Ness in San Francisco.
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