8

MAPIA ATOLL SURVEY –A SURVEY OF THE ATOLL’S REEF FISH

DIVERSITY AND CORAL HEALTH

ITINERARY

Biak to Mapia and back

TRIP LENGTH

5 – 7 days

SUGGESTED DATES

First two weeks of December 2018 (potential for 2 back-to-back trips)

WEST PAPUA

MAPIA ATOLL

NAMFOOR ISLAND

BIAK ISLAND

FRANS KAISIEPO AIRPORT

PEGUN ISLAND

FANILDO ISLAND

BRAS ISLANDLAGOON

MAPIA ATOLL

356.78km to RAJA AMPAT (well known diving spots)

933km to PALAU (well known diving spots)

Snorkelling

Manta Rays

Diving

Kayak / SUP

Turtles

Coral Reefs

International Airports

WEST PAPUA

* Route subject to change depending on weather.

0km 50km

* Route is subject to change depending on weather and sea conditions.

10

Guests will board Rascal in Biak – a small islance

near the northern coast of Papua. Following

a warm welcome from Rascal’s crew and

introduction to the vessel, the 100 nautical mile

cruise north will begin, as Rascal sets sail towards

Mapia Atoll. Adventure seekers will thrive, as

the crossing will see Rascal venture into brand

new territory and unchartered waters, leading

the way in conservation exploration.

Mapia Atoll is one of the most remote areas in the

world. Part of the Bird’s Head Seascape– a haven

of marine biodiversity – the Atoll is comprised of

4 main islands and a clear, serene, lagoon, with

sheer outer reef walls that drop off thousands of

metres into the western Pacific abyss. The area

is breathtakingly beautiful and truly remote,

and guests will have the opportunity to relax

on board and enjoy a variety of water sports

offered by Rascal, as well as spotting turtles and

Mantas – a truly once in a lifetime experience.

© Jeff Yonover

The reef boasts lively marine populations, and

the divers and snorkelers will be able to spot

huge shoals of snappers, trevally, groupers,

barracudas, grey reef sharks, pink leaf

scorpionfish, rainbow runners, jacks, tunas, huge

Napolean wrasses, bumphead parrotfish…and

much more.

The trip will be hosted by Dr. Mark Erdmann,

who is widely celebrated for his commitment

to marine conservation, and also joined by two

of CI Indonesia’s top local scientists. Mapia

is one of Conservation International’s top

priorities in terms of new conservation areas;

during the trip, CI hope to survey the atoll’s

reef fish diversity and coral health, use drone

technology to survey turtles and Mantas, and

meet with local communities to understand

more about their outlook and approach when

it comes to managing their marine resources

and current threats to the marine life. The site

has the potential to become a new Marine

Protected Area, which would limit future activity

in the area with the view to conserve the marine

biodiversity.

This itinerary is to be used only as a guide and is subject to change depending on the weather and sea conditions.

© Shawn Heinrichs