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Aitutaki from the air. Photo Credit Cook Islands Tourism and Ewan Smith

The Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project is an ongoing research project using eco-volunteers to survey and report on the health of the lagoon environment.

Small groups of 10 eco-volunteers will embark on a 6 week mission to survey the Aitutaki lagoon. Each expedition builds on the work done of the previous expeditions to contribute to an ongoing report that is used by the people of Aitutaki to better understand and manage their environment.

All participants will learn to apply in water survey techniques using scuba, snorkelling and reef walks while living on a remote motu (islet) in a self contained lodge.

Aitutaki has been made famous as the set for movies and tv shows including Shipwrecked and Survivour.

The Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project has its base on the motu of Akaiami. The project is housed in Akaiami Lodge, a basic homestead on a stunning deserted beach. Each day volunteers will awaken to the long shadows of the coconut palms extending out over the crystal water and in the evening, watch the sun set off the beach with the golden hues reflected in the water.

You love everything about the ocean – the waves, the reefs, the lifestyle. Your perfect day is a day spent in the water. You are passionate about conserving the marine environment for future generations and willing to make sacrifices in order to do so. You are not above hard work for a good cause. You are excited to continue your education in marine science. You realize that reading from textbooks is a good place to start, but that nothing can replace hands-on field experience. You do not want to sit and watch as life passes you by. You want to change the world, but don’t know where to begin. Begin with the Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project.

 
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Duration :

3 weeks to 5 weeks depending on the expedition

Expedition Type :

Marine survey using snorkel and scuba

Location :

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Fly to :
Autitaki, Cook Islands via Rarotonga Cook Islands.
Expedition dates :
Cost :

3 week expedition : NZ$1950

Whats included :
All accomodation and meals* for the duration of the expedition
All scuba equipment required for diving
Training in marine survey techniques
All transfers to and from the airport and the accommodation lodge in Akaiami
Daily survey dives and snorkelling
Lodge style accommodation on Akaiami Motu
Weekly opportunities for community engagement
*Social meals away from the expedition base not included
Contact :

Ph +682 22450
Our office is on Cook Islands Time CKT GMT-10

expeditions@picionline.org

Available for Skype calls on request

 
The Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project is a project of the Pacific Islands Conservation Initiative. PICI is a Non-Profit organisation based in the Cook Islands working in areas of environmental research, conservation and education. Our philosophy is that for conservation to work it must be driven by the local communities that live in these remote islands. To that end the Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project intends to use science to develop a long term data set to assist with the management of the Aitutaki Lagoon by the people of the island.
   
       
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