Natividad Island: 2010 Reef Check EcoExpedition

Online, March 10, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Reef Check announced it will be running a second EcoExpedition to Natividad this summer, where recreational divers will have the opportunity to explore the lush marine reserves of the island.

Natividad is an enchanting island located on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and it is part of the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. Although Natividad is known to savvy surfers, the underwater environment is practically unexplored by recreational divers. The diving inside the marine reserves is superb, yet normally off limits to the public.

Cyndi Dawson, Director of Science of Reef Check California says "I have been scuba diving for 17 years and have over 1200 dives in California waters. The size, diversity, and density of the kelp forest inhabitants of Isla Natividad are truly amazing. I imagine it looks like Catalina Island did 25 years ago, large fish and abalone abound. It is truly one of the best preserved intact kelp forest ecosystems I have ever seen."

Buzos y Pescadores of Natividad is the only fishing cooperative in the area. They agreed to set up marine reserves in 2006 where no fishing takes place. Reef Check (RC) is working with them to monitor marine life, and to develop sustainable tourism to help offset the cost of maintaining the reserves.

The EcoExpedition will take place from July 9 - 15, 2010. The price is $2050 USD and includes a private charter flight out of San Diego to Natividad, day and night dives inside and outside the reserves led by local fisher-diver guides, tours of the island's highlights, wine cruise on the cooperative's amphibian, and a menu featuring the island's marine delicacies. If you are interested in participating please visit http://www.reefcheck.org/involved/ecoexpedition_isla_natividad_baja_california.php or contact Mary Luna at [email protected].