Whitsundays 2022
LEG 1: 07.–13.november, Airlie beach
LEG 2: 14.-20.november, airlie beach
The Great Barrier Reef is located at the east coast of Australia and is the world's largest and longest coral reef system. It is the biggest single structure made by living organisms that gives home to over 1,500 species of fish, abundant marine life and over 200 types of birds. The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the central coast of Queensland including the spectacular bright white sands of Whitehaven Beach.
In 2020 we conducted the very first pilot study around the Whitsunday islands where we collected microplastic samples down to a size of 50 micrometers (0.05 mm). For the first time, we could show that there are at least 120 times more smaller-sized microplastics (50 - 300 micrometers) than plastics bigger than 300 micrometers.
This expedition will be a follow-up study allowing us with a modified manta trawl system to predict and monitor the exact number of microplastics in this conservation area down to a size of 50 micrometers​
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A course week includes:
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All course participants will serve as crew and be integrated into the sailing routine as much as possible. This involves navigation, watch duty, setting sails, reefing and anchoring.
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You will sleep like a real crew and share beds/bunking with other participants.
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Assisting with the sampling by using the Manta Trawl system and conducting the first evaluations on board.
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Daily lectures on plastic pollution and its impact on the environment as well as the structure of the marine ecosystem.
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We will have each week scientists from the University of Newcastle on board, helping us out with the sampling and also giving hands-on insight into their work
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We will visit Whitehaven beach and get the chance to go snorkeling
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Last but not least, we are also on vacation and the "fun factor" will not be neglected. Swimming and land excursions are just as much a part of the program!
The boat:
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Beneteau Oceanis 48
The costs per course week are as follows:
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Costs per course week per participant:
Non-students AUD 2'550.-
Students AUD 1'950.-
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Total cost per person when booking two weeks:
Non-students AUD 4'590.-
Students AUD 3'510.-
Included in the price are
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Shared room
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Food, drinks (all-inclusive)
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Board cash contributions (fixed) including harbor fees, diesel, marine park fee, cleaning, etc.
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Carbon footprint removal, CO2 emission removal for the diesel exhaust gases produced
​Not included in the price are
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Alcoholic drinks B.Y.O.
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Food and drinks on land are not taken over by the board cash. Participants pay these themselves.
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Requirements:
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You don't need to have a scientific background
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No sailing skills are necessary
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EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE AND BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST
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*The expedition will only take place if there are enough participants. The possible realization of the expedition will be communicated at least one month before the start.
