Earthwatch scientists have discovered a previously unknown coral reef in the Seychelles. The charity is now looking for avid divers to help them learn more about it.

Scuba certified volunteers are needed on Curieuse Island - a former leper colony, which is home to more than 200 Aldabra giant tortoises - for 15 day teams in July and August 2009 (but hurry as places will disappear fast).

Recent findings indicate that the reef was damaged in the 2004 tsunami but still supports a large amount of marine life, including tiger shark. Using a combination of digital photography and underwater video, volunteers will help to shed more light on the health of the reef by measuring the surrounding biodiversity.

Paul Rose, explorer and presenter of the new BBC series Oceans, says, When making the series I had the opportunity to explore incredible and diverse ocean habitats. Joining an expedition like this is the only way to get involved with genuine marine research. If youre a diver and you care about the planet, I highly recommend it.

The information collected on this expedition will allow Earthwatch scientists to identify which species in the region might be most important for tracking the effects of climate change in the Indian Ocean. It costs £1,250 to join one of the teams; this includes training, food, accommodation in a traditional guest house just 20 metres from the sea, medical emergency evacuation and the offsetting of greenhouse gases. It is also a charitable donation which helps to support the research. Flights are extra. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and be qualified with a CMAS 2 star, PADI Rescue or BASC Sports, with at least 30 logged dives and recent diving experience. No other prior knowledge or experience is necessary.

To find out about more about Earthwatch expeditions, call +44 (0)1865 318831 or visit www.earthwatch.org/europe.

-ENDS-

Editor's Notes:

Earthwatch Institute (Europe) is an international environmental charity whose mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

Earthwatch Institute (Europe) is the European affiliate of Earthwatch Institute, which is based in the USA and founded in Boston in 1971. Other affiliate offices in the Earthwatch Institute network are based in Australia and Japan.

Earthwatch currently supports 61 environmental research projects in 31 countries by providing funds and paying volunteers who work alongside leading field scientists and researchers.

To ensure our research addresses pressing global environmental issues, Earthwatch preferentially funds projects that fit the focus of one or more of the following priority research areas: sustainable resource management, climate change, oceans and sustainable cultures.

Since 1971 the worldwide organisation has recruited over 85,000 volunteers in support of 2,800 field research projects in 118 countries. These volunteers have contributed over 10 million hours to essential field work.

Costs to join a project range from £850 to £1,995 and projects last from five to 16 days. The price paid is a charitable donation, which funds the research. Accommodation, food, training, emergency medical evacuation and the offsetting of greenhouse gases is included in the price, but flights are additional.

Earthwatch offset all greenhouse gas emissions associated with volunteer travel through an organisation called Climate Care. www.climatecare.org

Website: http://www.earthwatch.org/europe

For press information, case studies, stories, images and interviews, please contact Jane Nijssen, Press Officer, + 44 (0) 1865 318852 / jnijssen@earthwatch.org.uk, or Zoe Gamble, PR Manager, + 44 (0) 1865 318852 / 07725690469 / zgamble@earthwatch.org.uk