The New Heaven Reef Conservation Program or NHRCP
Founded in 2007 with a mission to learn and explore the fascinating world of marine ecology, our primary focus is on collecting biological data and preserving the underwater ecosystem around Koh Tao. NHRCP is working on a range of different projects and topics as well as monitoring the reef through a series of surveys aimed at collecting data on the biodiversity and adundance on a range of reef species. This collection helps to better understand the way the ecosystem and any threats it may be under. The program is run by Marine Biologists who are on hand to provide all the knowledge students need to take part in our program. Our typical day starts with a morning lecture and going out for surveys diving and working underwater in the early afternoon. It’s a fantastic combination of learning and having fun through a series of theoretical lectures and hands on practical application.
Conservation Diver
Back in 2015, this non-profit organization was established with a mission in mind, ‘Training the next generation of marine conservationists’ and that is exactly what they are doing. Our program offers an extensive selection of over 20 certifications through Conservation Diver, ensuring that you have an extraordinary experience and the opportunity to obtain a certification you’re most interested in.
Our Courses
You have options to join our Marine Conservation courses based on your schedule! Whether you have just one day, three days, a week, or even a whole month. From Monday to Friday, each day focuses on a different topic. You’ll attend a lecture on a specific topic and then head out for a dive to put your newfound knowledge into action. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, explore, and positively impact our marine environment.
4-Week Marine Conservation
Week 1 – Ecological monitoring surveys
Week 1 focuses on introducing our students to the world of reef surveys. You’ll learn a wide range of skills, from collecting data on invertebrates to assessing the health of coral reefs. We’ll guide you through each step of the process of surveying and collecting data and introduce you to the wonderful world of Coral Taxonomy as we learn how to identify 20 different genus.
Week 2 – Coral week
Week 2 focuses on coral reefs, how to restore the reefs and the process behind artificial reefs. You’ll discover how to construct and install artificial structures, with a focus on techniques that consider the growth and development of coral reefs, as well as fish aggregation, diver buoyancy aids and artistic sculptures. You’ll also have the chance to learn about innovative devices designed to accelerate coral growth, often referred to as “Mineral Accretion.” You’ll gain hands-on experience in coral conservation through engaging practices and surveys. Additionally, you’ll even have the exciting opportunity to design and present artificial structures to your peers.
Week 3 – Marine life
Week 3 focuses on everything from the smallest sea slugs to the biggest fish in the sea. Sea slugs, Seahorses, Sharks, and Turtles this week has them all. We will walk you through the importance of some of the weird and wonderful creatures found on and off the reef and explore areas that most divers never get to see, ‘The Muck’. Discover the threats that are facing these animals as well as the work we have been doing to learn more about these species and ways in which we can protect them.
Week 4 – Advanced week
Week 4 is our advanced week and can only be completed after the first 3 weeks have been done. We will build on the knowledge gained from previous weeks and go into more detail as we develop skills in coral ID, knot-tying and advanced underwater survey techniques. Learn the procedure behind mooring line installation and maintenance, participate in a quadrat or recruit survey, take part in an underwater clean up and build on your coral taxonomy with an additional 19 genus.