A cruise around the bay was how wildlife orientated can you get. Well it was while on this cruise that we met marine biologist Greg Brogan who had a tagged ray released from the side of the boat. My wife and I were shocked and amazed at the sudden change of pace from passively viewing sea creatures to being able to participate in the research and conservation of these amazing animals as part of so called ‘conservation tourism’ being offered by companies as part of a family’s package deal for their holiday.
Research expeditions that welcome amateur participation
Participate in real marine research with working scientists in wildlife monitoring and research projects that are contributing to conservation of marine species and habitats. These projects offer families a highly meaningful way to be involved in studies of marine wildlife and habitats and their contributions can contribute to publication of scientific papers and inform management decisions for species and habitats.
There are many marine research stations along Australia’s coast line. Most of these research stations provide a variety of marine-based activities for families to get involved in citizen science programs. These programs allow amateur researchers and their families to participate in real marine research, where the work that the tourists do can be used in research papers and for management decisions to conserve marine habitats and wildlife. These programs are a great way for children and their families to learn more about the importance of conservation of marine habitats and wildlife, and to get involved in the hands-on work of protecting them.
There is an enormous difference between allowing families to have an interactive marine education experience and being part of a research program as an amateur. Firstly families are involved in the real work of a scientist and are taught how to use equipment, collect data and record results. Importantly families are taught how their work fits into the wider aims of a scientist’s work for conservation of marine environments and species. Many children are fascinated by science and can become completely absorbed in real scientific work.
Organize your tours around the time of year and the types of activities going on in the marine environment. For example, some marine animals are on land during parts of the year, while others are out at sea. Additionally, researchers conduct in-depth studies in marine environments during various parts of the year and it would be a great opportunity for a family to participate in such a study.
Commercial fishing and aquaculture experiences
Fishing or an aquaculture farm can also be a really cool and hands-on marine experience for families. Most fishing tours nowadays are more than just fishing. Many offer insight into sustainable fishing practices and how different species are managed and harvested. For example, on a lobster catching tour, participants can learn how to use the equipment to catch lobsters and then how to tag and release them. This type of tour can be very hands-on and can also be a lot of fun for kids.
Another idea for a marine hands-on experience for families is a lobster catching tour. These tours are usually conducted by local fishermen using traditional sustainable fishing practices and methods, and participants get to see firsthand how lobsters are caught and handled. Also, participants will get to learn about commercial lobster fishing and how it is regulated in Australia. The tour usually involves handling of lobster pots and other fishing gear, as well as identifying of different species of fish and other sea creatures.
Oyster farms and pearl farms are another area of the marine industry where there are many opportunities for people to learn about the selective breeding of marine species and the various ways in which water quality is managed to ensure that the health of the animals. In addition to these two areas of study, visitors can gain valuable insights into the many economic factors that affect the industry. There are many hands-on aspects of this type of business that are perfect for children to learn about as well.
By participating in lobster catching tours and other commercial fishing, families will not only gain insight into the grueling work of the fisherman, but also into practices of sustainability currently employed by the industry in order to ensure its future. In addition, many marine species are also an important source of income for struggling coastal communities. Families can gain an appreciation for the diverse group of fish species that are currently being caught and for the difficult decisions that need to be made in balancing the interests of industry and the environment.
Rehabilitation centres and rescue operations
There are also many Marine animal rehabilitation centers where animals that have been injured or otherwise disabled in some way are being treated with the intention of releasing them back into the wild. The animals are being used for conservation purposes and many can be viewed up close by visitors.
There are many different ways in which families can get involved with volunteer work at a marine animal rehabilitation center. Many centers require volunteers to assist with the general maintenance of the animals and the center, while others involve more hands on work with the animals, including cleaning their enclosures, feeding them and monitoring their health and recording data on their progress. There are also volunteer programs at many centers that last from a few days to a few weeks or more. Some centers even allow children to participate in their volunteer programs.
No matter what the length of your visit, it is a truly unforgettable experience to release back into the wild an animal that has been treated for injuries at a marine animal rehabilitation center. It creates a lasting impression of the importance of contributing to the conservation of marine animals and can inspire families to continue to help protect our marine environment when they return home.
See also: techwail
Technology-enhanced marine exploration
Tourists can now explore the marine environment safely for extended periods of time and families with children can even venture down into the deep waters of the ocean. Space images of the coast and marine environments from satellites and platforms in space can be used by above water tourists by using remote sensing, GIS and other applications to study the coast and marine environments.
Many different types of underwater technology are now available for people to use when on holiday. Some of these are underwater drones which can be sent down into the deep parts of a reef or even into a shipwreck. Other technologies use Virtual Reality (VR) and allow people to ‘dive’ down into the deep water of a reef for example. Satellite images and data are also now available for people to view online of areas of the world that would otherwise be difficult to access.
Practical considerations for marine tourism
The weather and boats can be very unpredictable and need to be given a lot of respect. So it is wise to research your marine experience before booking and find out what kind of weather the operators operate in. Also ask what kind of boats they use and if there is a chance that you might get seasick.
There are huge differences between programs with respect to the equipment participants and their families will need. Some programs provide all of the equipment required for the program. Others have some equipment that participants and/or their families will need to hire prior to the program. And, a few programs have equipment that participants and/or their families will need to purchase prior to the program. Families need to check with each operator to see what type of equipment they will need to bring for the programs in which they will participate.
When families are working with real professionals at the top of their field, the families learn so much about the topic of their work and how it relates to other areas of life. Simply viewing and photographing wildlife is not sufficient for families these days. They want to be involved in meaningful experiences where they can gain skills and knowledge and then apply them in real life situations.
