Now here is a really unique and different travel experience. This expedition will take you to the United Arab Emirates and from there to the remote and mountainous Musandam peninsula of Oman. There you will study the diverse coral reefs fringing the areas where the mountains plunge into the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This is a pioneering study to map this currently unprotected underwater environment. The reefs boast a rich mixture of beautiful corals and a multitude of fish and other animals. Data on the current biological status of the reefs and of population levels of key indicator species are therefore crucial for educational purposes and to be able to put forward ideas for future marine protection areas

The aim and objectives of the expedition is to monitor the health of the Musandam peninsula’s reefs, its fish and invertebrate communities so that informed management, education and conservation decisions can be made by the government and NGOs.

Although popular myth has Arabia down as a vast, flat and empty expanse of sand (and oil), Oman is quite different. In fact, there is a wide range of contrasting landscapes: high mountains, beaches, the desert landscapes of the Empty Quarter, coral reefs and even tropical habitats, where the monsoon touches Oman in the extreme south

The 650 kilometre coastline of the Musandam peninsula is strewn with rocks and coves, gradual steps, steep rocky slopes and cliffs that plunge to great depths all over the fjord-like landscape. The coral reefs that grow along the margins of this stunning landscape are still relatively untouched as influences such as industrial-scale fishing, pearl or scallop extraction or large numbers of recreational divers have not wreaked their destructive influence there. The area is therefore a prime target for studying intact reef ecosystems, conserving them for future generations and using them in the education of people locally and all over the world

Overall the scenery can only be described as spectacular with 1000 m high, solid rock peaks dropping straight into the sea. Below the water, coral reef development around the Musandam is one of the best in all of the northwestern Indian Ocean. More than 100 species of hard corals form the framework of a complex coral community lining most of the rocky shores. Most coral communities are very diverse and show little signs of environmental stress. Some communities are dominated by branching hard corals, whereas in others, massive, slow growing colonies from the basis of the community.

The reefs are in excellent condition with percentage coral cover reaching the highest levels seen in the world (80-90%) with over 200 species present. They teem with large grouper, emperors, and schools of jacks, snapper and fusiliers. Turtles, lobster and sting rays can be seen with an occasional reef shark passing by. Colourful species endemic to the Indian Ocean and Oman are numerous. Blue and yellow Indian Ocean angelfish are so common that they form schools. The Arabian butterflyfish is everywhere and hard to miss due to its brilliant yellow-orange colour.

The dives range from walls to gentle rocky slopes covered by hard corals, with black coral and blue gorgonians common. All of the survey dives are to a maximum 20 metre depth.

http://www.experienceseekerstravelclub.com/blog/feed

The Statue of Liberty sits proudly in New York harbour, no matter where you travel on the water you can always catch a glimpse of the lovely lady. Before September 11 thousands of people would make the pilgrimage out to see the lady first hand, and those who were game would venture up the very narrow stair case to take in the view from her crown. This was indeed an adventure in itself because once started on the upward journey there was no going back as the staircase was only wide enough to support one way traffic. Now an assessment of the safety and accessibility issues at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island has been undertaken by the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar.

The events of September 11, 2001, saw the statue and Ellis Island closed to visitors for several months.
After the introduction of additional screening for visitors, the pedestal of the statute was modified, and opened in 2004, following the reopening of the Island Museum and Liberty Island. The crown, however, has remained closed.

This was because the National Park Service feared the potential health and safety risks for visitors, in the event of an emergency.
The crown of the Statue of Liberty is only accessible by a narrow 168-step double helix spiral staircase.

The Park Service role includes the protection and safety of visitors, and due to the limited evacuation possibilities, a future emergency renders visiting the crown too high of a risk.
“The Statue of Liberty is unique among our national parks as a symbol of freedom not only to Americans but also to people around the world,” Secretary Salazar said.

“As a U.S. Senator and now as Secretary of the Interior, I believe the crown should be re-opened to the public if at all possible.”
He continued, “I am here today to tour the statue and promise to work hard with the National Park Service to explore all feasible alternatives to reopening it.”
The Senator joined many other Members of Congress in requesting the National Park Service to assess options for reopening the crown, including an evaluation of physical modifications to bring the interior into compliance with safety and fire codes.

The study will be undertaken by Hughes Associates, a Baltimore-based firm, who ought to deliver a final report in April 2009.
If compliance with the necessary safety regulations is found to be impossible, the study intends to determine the way National Park Service could minimize safety risks to visitors, staff and emergency personnel.
“We will explore all opportunities to re-open the crown while reducing risk to the public,” the Secretary emphasized. “I hope we can find a way. It would proclaim to the world – both figuratively and literally – that the path to the light of liberty is open to all.”

http://www.experienceseekerstravelclub.com/blog/feed