An eco-adventure for everyone! Divers, snorkellers and non-divers will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of coral reefs through an active workshop.

*Sampling & microscope sessions
*Teamwork using marine biology methods
*Explore the diversity of coral reefs
*Marine biology quiz

Marine Biology Workshop “basic”

• Coral reef ecology, food web, marine conservation
• Learning about fish – family ID and ecology
• Sampling sand, rubble and plankton
• Stereomicroscope sessions and zoological drawing
• Guided dives
• Marinebiology quiz
• Workshop booklet & certificate

Marine Biology Workshop “advanced”

• Fish species list, working with scientific databases
• Sampling rubble
• Stereomicroscope sessions and invertebrate ID
• Guided dives (one night dive)
• Marinebiology quiz
• Workshop booklet & certificate

Coral ID Workshop

• Introduction into coral biology and coral ID
• Classroom lessons and underwater sessions
• Guided dives (one fluorescent night dive)
• Marinebiology quiz
• Workshop booklet & certificate

• Marine Biology Weeks 2017 at Manta Ray Bay Resort
• Mangroves of Yap
• Marine Biology Weeks 2019
• Fischfauna Mikronesien

The “Basic” and “Advanced” Marine Biology workshops involve collecting samples from the reef and analysing them under the microscope, identifying fish and invertebrates and studying their life history in detail.
The basic workshop will focus on coral reef ecology: the mechanisms underlying reef structure, coral reef zonation, functional groups, the food web, current threats to coral reefs and conservation. During the “Advanced” workshop we will focus on species identification, building species lists using zoological databases and learning some marine biology methods.
In the Coral Identification workshop we will focus on the “master builders” of reefs and learn how to identify them reliably down to genus level. Coral identification will be carried out using Russell Kelley’s “Indopacific Coral Finder”
In addition to the coral reef ecosystem, we also study the mangrove forests, which play a vital role as nurseries for many reef fish, coastal protection and food supply.
Shore excursions to explore the fascinating culture of Yap are also on the agenda, as are evening lectures, a marine biology quiz and (fluorescent) night dives.
Needless to say, the sharks and mantas that have made this a world-class site are never far away.The ultimate marine biology diving experience!

The health of coral reefs is a sensitive indicator of the health of the oceans and our planet. Coral reefs form structures so large that they can be seen from space. These complex and fragile ecosystems are home to no less than 25 per cent of all marine fish species. But there is also a lot to discover on a smaller scale: small creatures from a wide variety of groups form the food base for all the fish and larger sea creatures that delight the diver’s heart.
Coral polyps are unique organisms – just a few millimetres in diameter – that are able to form gigantic reef systems. Participants will learn, explore and experience our connection to the ocean from a biological perspective in a 3-part workshop for all ages.

The workshop is suitable for divers AND snorkelers, no previous knowledge is required. The minimum age is 6 years.
The three courses build on each other, for experienced nature lovers we recommend especially the “advanced” and the Coral ID workshop.
Diving courses can also be booked on site.

Language: English and German.

Yap is surrounded by a 1-2 kilometre wide fringing reef, interrupted by several channels leading to extensive and richly structured lagoons. Mangrove forests grow along the coast and play a vital role in protecting the coastline, providing nurseries for reef fish and a constant supply of nutrients to the surrounding ecosystems.
All of this creates a diverse underwater world that guarantees a variety of dives. The state of Yap has been a Manta Sanctuary since 2008 and is home to a healthy population of manta rays and sharks. Almost every day there is a chance to dive with the local manta rays at one of the various cleaning stations. A variety of reef sharks are regularly seen on two special shark dives. The reefs around Yap are also home to a variety of small marine life such as mandarin fish, leaf scorpionfish, dart fish and crabs, nudibranchs and mantis shrimps. Yap Divers are the local dive pioneers with the most knowledgeable guides, some of whom have been with the family business since 1986. Yap Divers is certified as an SSI Diamond Dive Resort, a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre and a Mares Premium Dive Centre. Yap has four main dive areas and over 50 named dive sites.
Yap’s vibrant traditional culture can be experienced every day through village visits, demonstrations and excursions from the resort.

www.mantaray.com/marine-biology-weeks