DIVE WITH A RESEARCHER (DWAR)

In 2007, divers worked with our scientists to address such questions as "what happens to the reef structure when the major reef building corals die?", "which coral species are most affected by the different diseases?" and "if adult corals are dying, are enough juveniles surviving so that the reef can continue to build over the long term?"

Check out some of our research projects and register below...

DIVE WITH A RESEARCHER PROGRAMS (2008)

Jan 10-17 [DONE]		Biodiversity & Reef Resiliency This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will study the abundance of the major organisms that are competing with (and possibly out-competing) corals, such as tunicates, sponges, anemones, and fleshy algae using visual surveys and underwater photography techniques.

Jun 25-Jul 02		Function of Fluorescent Proteins in Corals* This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project aims to better understand fluorescent protein function and origin on coral reefs. As part of this expedition, volunteers will test several of these theories as well as isolate additional proteins from reef inhabitants to be employed for biomedical research.

Jun 25-Jul 02		Deep Dive Down Cayman's Wall* This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will explore the tropical communities occuring at the deepest extent of coral reefs (~400 ft) in the Caribbean using Deep See Cayman's Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) "Little Tyche". We will also explore the Bloody Bay Wall to nearly 2000 ft.

Aug 02-08		Searching for Lobsters** This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will conduct an initial assessment of lobster populations around Little Cayman. This will provide an important baseline to understanding the health of the lobster population and, indirectly, the ways in which we can protect this population.

Aug 02-08		Search for Invasive Species** This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will search for and record baseline data about invasive species (e.g. lionfish) on Little Cayman reefs and examine the impact of the Mat Tunicate on native coral species.

Aug 09-15		Herbivorous Fish & Reef Resiliency This Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project will investigate some key players in reef resiliency (mainly parrotfish) and see whether they alone are enough to prevent reefs from algae dominance. This is a critical piece of the puzzle in understanding how reefs function.

[TBA]		In Search of Juvenile Corals A Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project to investigate the potential for baby corals to survive and replenish the local reefs which have shown dramatic declines over the past decades.

[TBA]		Coral Disease Management Project A Dive With A Researcher (DWAR) project to help decrease the devasting effects of coral disease in reefs around Little Cayman Island.

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WHY JOIN DWAR?
By joining the "Dive With A Researcher" (DWAR) program you:

• Assist our researchers collect underwater data,
• Gain a unique new diving experience,
• Help directly fund the project you join,
• See first-hand what problems are resulting in regional and global declines on reefs and what scientists are doing to work to protect them,
• Stay at the Caribbean's newest tropical biological research station, next to one of the diving world's most talked about reefs at Bloody Bay Marine Park.

CCMI RESEARCH
CCMI research provides important insight into the regional and global decline of coral reefs and tropical habitats. In 2008, our projects continue to focus on coral reef disease and coral reef regeneration potential. Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world. These marine communities are incredibly complex and are also extremely fragile. Pollution, over-fishing, and other human activities are endangering reefs around the world. Our research offers divers an opportunity to learn about the significant problems impacting marine habitats while acquiring hands-on research experience.

DAILY SCHEDULE
The following is an approximate guide and may change depending on the research requirements and weather.

Day 1
Arrive on Little Cayman with pick up at airport and transportation to Little Cayman Research Center (LCRC). Settle in or snorkel our lagoon. LCRC briefing and Welcome dinner on the beach. Spend seven nights at LCRC.

Day 2
Research training session in the morning with a check-out dive in Jackson's Bay. The reef sites are only 5 to 15 minutes away from the LCRC.

Day 3-7
Each day, under the direction of the Researcher and LCRC Manager there will be surveys to nearby coral reefs to assist researchers in gathering data related to each particular initiative. Photographers are needed on each project. Snorkeling opportunities are excellent in the clear warm waters, and some free time will be provided for snorkeling right from the beach. There will be evening presentations on the research projects, the natural history of reef inhabitants, and marine ecosystems. In addition, preparations will be made for the following day's activities.

Day 8
Depart Little Cayman depending on your flight schedule with transfer back to Little Cayman airport.

WHAT A DAY IS LIKE
Each day starts with a good breakfast and a boat departure right from the steps of the Caribbean's newest tropical marine research center. Two morning dives will be completed each day at locations both inside and outside the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Dive sites visited during this trip will include sites rarely visited by divers as well as world class sites such as Three Fathom Wall and Paul's Anchor. You'll return to the research station each day by lunchtime and have the afternoons to yourself to enjoy bird watching, iguana watching, or just relaxing on the deck overlooking the spectacular emerald lagoon.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
This program is intended for divers wanting a better understanding of coral reefs and the research that is taking place to preserve this environment. Divers will be required to be a dive buddy with a principle investigator. Divers will work together with the scientist and team of divers and may assist collecting data, or photographing and archiving data. Divers should be advanced open water certified with at least 50 dives logged.

NUMBER OF DIVERS ACCEPTED
8 maximum per program (Space is limited - so register now!)

COST
$2300 (US)
Includes accommodations, 3 meals per day, airport transfer, boat, tanks and weights (Nitrox is available at additional cost). A portion of your cost may be tax deductible for US citizens. Additional diving and field trips are available for participants at an additional cost.

REGISTRATION
Qualified divers are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited so you are encouraged to complete the registration and payment process early. Registration takes just a few steps:

1) FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM Please fill out the "DWAR Application Form (PDF)". You may print and mail it to us or email it to us according to the instructions in the form. Please also send us a deposit with your mailed application or pay online using PayPal (see below).

2) ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION We will notify you via email of your acceptance into the program.

3) FILL OUT OTHER REQUIRED FORMS & WAIVERS Please fill out any required forms and waivers and mail them to us: At this time, please also send in the outstanding balance with your mailed documents or pay online using PayPal (see below).

4) ACQUIRE INSURANCE & MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Acquire insurance and make your travel arrangments to Little Cayman:

PAYMENT
You may pay in part or in full at any time. There is no transaction fee if you pay by check. However PayPal charges a 4% transaction fee, which will be added to the course fee if you select this payment method. To pay...

Either... MAIL IN YOUR PAYMENT Pay by check: $500 (Deposit) $1800 (Outstanding) $2300 (Full) Please make check payable to "Central Caribbean Marine Institute" and mail it to: CCMI Registrar

Or... PAY ONLINE You may also pay online using PayPal. Select an amount and click "PayPal Payments":   $500 (Deposit) + $20 Fee $1800 (Outstanding) + $72 Fee $2300 (Full) + $92 Fee Thank you for your payment!