Welcome to the Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita
Following on from the launch of WiseOceans Discovery Marine Educator blogs last month, this month’s submission by Marine Biologist and Educator Rick gives you a glimpse into his career with WiseOceans and why many years later, he is still passionate about Mauritius, and the island’s wildlife and of course, working for WiseOceans!
From then until now
I joined WiseOceans in July 2016, as a Marine Biologist and Educator, to be based at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.
Fast forward 7 years, and I do not regret that choice! I love my role as a Marine Educator as I am able to share my passion with others! But, what does a Marine Educator actually do? Read on for more!
A day in the life of a Marine Biologist and Educator
WiseOceans’ Marine Biologists and Educators run ‘Marine Discovery Programmes’ in collaboration with our partnered resorts. So, in Mauritius, I lead the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Marine Discovery Programme. Marine Discovery Programmes, or MDP’s, are a tailored programme that includes guest activities, coral reef restoration, employee engagement, community outreach and contribution to both local, and national, conservation initiatives. From undertaking guided snorkels to visiting the coral nursery and delivering marine life talks – the job is very fun when you love the ocean as much as me!
Guest Activities
Here at the resort we offer various activities. Our most popular though, is group or private, guided snorkel.
Guided snorkelling is a unique way to immerse people into the underwater world. I often get asked whether, after snorkelling in the same spot for many years, I am bored? Rest assured – I can assure you 100% that the answer is No! On the contrary, I am just as excited as the guest to jump in – curious as to what mother nature has planned for us during this experience. Here at Mauritius, we offer various types of snorkelling, including Reef Discovery, Marvellous Mangrove and Night. Top marine highlights include the Mauritius Anemone fish, Spanish dancers, flasher scorpion fish, seahorses, sea turtles and sometimes even some species of marine mammals!
Another favourite activity is the WiseOceans Quest. This is a great way to learn more about both marine and terrestrial species. With your dedicated Marine Educator on-board, guests embark on a luxury low fuel consumption CataSpeed excursion during which they will comfortably cruise the pristine crystal south lagoon. Here you will visit the waterfall and Light House island, observe sea birds and may even observe wild monkeys! Finally, the trip ends with snorkelling at a specially selected spot, before lunch is served. This is a personal favourite activity of mine – it is an amazing way to share the beautiful island of Mauritius with our visitors.
Coral Reef Restoration
Whilst I lead the Marine Discovery Programme, I have help from our Reef Restoration Officer, Bernard!
The programmes associated coral reef restoration project, La Passe Cadet, launched in 2017 and aims to restore 10,000 sqm of degraded reef within a lagoon located on the East coast of Mauritius. With Bernard’s invaluable help we are currently maintaining 500 coral fragments thus marking the project very successful! We are now planning to expand the coral nursery to incorporate a new aim, restore 20,000 sqm of reef. Both myself and Bernard find this very emotional, as we have both been here since the first fragment was planted!
Did you enjoy ‘An Endless Passion’?
Then check out our Marine Educator blogs for more insights
