Pilot Study Testimonial:
My name is Thoger Krogh, I am 31 years old, and working as a medical doctor in Denmark. I have had a great interest in Diving, and in 2004, I became a PADI diving instructor, and I have worked with dive operators in both Mexico and Venezuela.

I was very fortunate to the  chance to go with a group of friends from Argentina on a dive trip to Mozambique, where we took part in the Quest Underseas project with whale shark and manta ray preservation in November 2006.

This project gave me a lot of insight into both the marine biology of these kings of the ocean and also the enormous threats that are put upon then from both the dive industry, fishing, and in general the pressure put on nature by  modern society. This knowledge was presented to me on a daily basis, through classroom teaching, about one hour in the middle of the day, in between the dives.

Of course the main purpose for me was to experience the marine life in Mozambique around Tofo beach. The daily in-water activities included normally two dives, or one dive and one whale shark snorkel. Since this was all part of the marine research done by Quest Underseas, all members of the group had to do their own observations, which could include length measurements of the whale shark, watching for bite marks on the manta ray and so on. All of this made you focus a lot more on each individual animal and therefore it made the experience a lot greater.

Even though there was quite a bit of work to be done in order to full fill the objectives of the expedition, I found that there was plenty of time to take part in the social aspects and enjoy both the spare time with the group and the local sights around Tofo, with it’s amazing beaches, that you find there undisturbed for mile after mile.

For me this was a different kind of way to go on a dive trip. I found that the knowledge I got by taking part in a marine research project was a lot greater than what I normally get when going on a normal dive vacation.  So if you are looking for a way to learn a lot about the nature you see while diving, and not just take part in the over use of the worlds coral reefs, I can strongly suggest taking part in a project like the one offered by Chris Williams and Quest Underseas.

Thoger Krogh

Phase 1 march 2007 volunteer Testimonial: Paul Smith

Summary

The place was great, the diving was excellent, and most people like-minded and fun. The project work was rewarding and I learnt a huge amount about the country, marine life and Quest's conservation concerns. Taking a month away from the day-job gave me enough time to appreciate and feel involved in (to a reasonable extent at least) a situation with a whole host of different issues, attitudes and priorities. This was an infinitely better ‘get-away' than reading a book on a beach.

I think on the whole the project and all the day-to-day practicalities that go along with it were excellently organised.  I’ve worked in a developing country and can appreciate just how much effort it takes to achieve things that at home can seem routine.  The fact that so much has already been achieved at so early a stage in the programme is a huge credit to Quest and the project management.  Respect!  Personally, I had a fantastic time and would thoroughly recommend the experience to others.

Cheers and many thanks again,

Paul.