SEACOLOGY E-NEWS UPDATE Seacology’s Board Approves New Island Projects! Seacology’s board of directors met in January and approved the following projects. With these new endeavors, Seacology now has projects on 103 islands in 45 countries. We are pleased to begin working again in the Seychelles, where a Seacology expedition will take place this June (details below). Cook Islands - Manihiki Atoll: Ultraviolet water purification units in exchange for the protection of a 72-acre lagoon for a duration of 30 years.
Full Project Description  India - Kavarathi Island, Lakshadweep Archipelago: Conservation education center in exchange for protection of 500 acres of lagoons and coral reef for a duration of 10 years.
Full Project Description
India - Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep Archipelago: Natural and cultural heritage museum and two guard posts in exchange for the establishment of a 2,471-acre marine and mangrove protected area.
Full Project Description  Indonesia - Pulau Banyak Islands, North Sumatra: Soccer fields for Teluk Nibung Village and Ujung Sialit Village, community meeting hall for Pulau Balai Village, and storm gutters for Suka Makmur Village in exchange for a total of 1,924 acres of protected land and marine habits for a duration of 10 years.
Full Project Description
Palau - Ngaremlengui State, Babeldaob Island: Welcome center and bridge in support of the 2,176-acre Ngarmeskang Nature Reserve.
Full Project Description Samoa - Falealupo Village, Savai’i Island: Construction of aluminum tower for Falealupo Rainforest Canopy Walkway to replace existing dilapidated walkway.
Full Project Description Seychelles - Cousin Island: Signage and environmentally-friendly toilets for the Cousin Island Marine Park.
Full Project Description Seychelles - Mahe Island: Refurbishment of Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles visitor center at Roche Caiman in support of a 7.5-acre reclaimed wetland.
Full Project Description
Charity Navigator Awards Highest Rating To Seacology For Third Consecutive Year 
A recent letter to Seacology from Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading independent rater of the financial efficiency of nonprofits contained the following paragraph: "Based on the most recent financial information available, we have calculated a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce Seacology has earned our third consecutive 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 11% of the charities we rate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Seacology consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This "exceptional" designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Seacology from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust." Thank you, Charity Navigator. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Seacology's Bali Projects 
Executive Director Duane Silverstein recently visited two Seacology projects on the island of Bali, Indonesia. In Sarinbuana Seacology provided the funding for a large community center/school auxiliary building in exchange for a 1,975 acre forest reserve. Above Seacology supporter Carole Shorenstein Hays, Duane Silverstein, field representative Arnaz Mehta and local villagers are shown in front of the Seacology funded building in Sarinbuana. According to Duane, "The building is used on a daily basis by the people of Sarinbuana.  A hike into the forest led by a local guide revealed that the provisions of the reserve are being strictly enforced. The village had erected many signs along the forest trail indicating that the trees could not be cut down. The trees, butterflies and monkeys we saw were breathtaking." Above left are Arnaz Mehta, Carole Shorenstein Hays, Duane Silverstein and Antony Their on the forest reserve trail, Sarinbuana. Duane also visited the Tirtagannga Water Palace where Seacology funded the Planetary Coral Reef Foundation installation of a wastewater garden system that organically breaks down wastewater and produces a rich habitat for vegetation. "The wastewater system is a terrific low tech solution to the disposal of organic waste. The gardens are beautiful and have provided significant benefits to the local residents and the many tourists that visit Tirtagannga." The gardens have now been replicated in several other locations in Indonesia.
Seacology's Evening With Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen  Emmy Award winning actor Ted Danson and his wife, Academy Award winning actress Mary Steenburgen, have long been advocates of marine conservation. Seacology was honored that Ted and Mary gave an onstage interview with Todd Oppenheimer at Herbst Theatre in San Francisco to benefit Seacology (above right), hosted by City Arts & Lectures. The wide-ranging discussion included topics as diverse as Ted’s experience on Cheers, Mary’s acting career and of course the need to preserve the oceans. We thank Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen for appearing at this benefit and for all they have done to help protect the oceans.
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
Yo La Tengo Supports Seacology We were delighted to receive an unexpected donation of almost $5,000 from the band Yo La Tengo this week. The indie rock band from New Jersey does a series of eight benefit shows for each night of Hanukkah, and each show benefits a different charity. Seacology was the beneficiary on the third night of Hanukkah, and the show sold out. Check out Yo La Tengo’s website and thanks to the band members for their donation!
Seacology Around the Web
     
Seacology's Island Environment Blog
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