A group of students from Cardiff University recently learned something that is not taught in the books - removing an illegal ghostnet.

The Downbelow team is currently hosting these students as part of their 2-week field study. During their time with Downbelow, these future marine scientists will learn to scuba dive by completing the PADI Open Water Course. We then move on to fine tune their bouyancy skills underwater which is a critical skill required to protect the coral during any underwater evaluation. Coral identification, fish sizing, mapping & underwater surveys are also some of the skills the students must learn during this training program.

However when an opportunity for them to help the environment came, they didn't skip the chance to help. Together with Downbelow, the students helped to remove the ghostnet that was trapping and killing marine animals.

Guided by the more experienced Downbelow team, the students did well in their first underwater conservation act and we hope that the experience will spur them on to carry the message of conservation as they work in their respective field in the future.

For the Downbelow team, it is always our hope that more divers will be passionate about the ocean as we continue to invite others to be involved in our conservation work.