Reef Research Seminar
There will be a one day seminar entitled "Aspects of Reef Research", held on Monday August 18th at the Fisheries Division conference room, Bayfront, Roseau commencing promptly 0900 hrs.

This is for interested local divers and hopeful participants in the reef research program to be conducted along the west coast of the island.

Please indicate via e-mail whether you will be able to attend this seminar on or before the 14th August, so the necessary arrangements for materials, food and snacks can be made accordingly.

Some funding will be made available to offset the costs of the diving during
the course of this program.

For further information on methodologies please visit the following
websites: www.reef.org and www.reefcheck.org.



September 21st, 2003

Photos will be in the gallery shortly.


October, 2003

RoSTI Project Manager Mr. Rowan Byrne receives an EC$1,000 cheque from Mr. Arun “Izzy” Madisetti, SSMR Marine Reserve Manager c/o the Fisheries Division.

The funds will be used to co-sponsor the new Turtle Sign that will be put in place on the roadside entrance to La Plaine beach.

The Rosalie Sea Turtle Initiative (RoSTI) is a project of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST) implemented in partnership with local communities, the private sector, and Government of Dominica.


November, 2003

As a part of the huge improvements being undertaken on Dominica, both on land with new rainforest trails being opened, and upgrades to the existing ones underway; and in the water, with training of new Marine Wardens, new dive boat moorings, and proposals for new Marine Protected Areas, the Marine Manager of the newly formed Dominica Marine Reserve Service Arun Madisetti, (or Izzy as he is better known) has secured EU funding to bring a hyperbaric chamber to the Island.

The new hiking trails and marine site improvements are all part of the commitment to maintain Dominica's position as the ecotourism capital of the region, and to ensure it's attractions; both on land and in the water, continue to bring adventure travelers looking for world class diving and rainforest hiking in one verdant package.

The Ministry of health is extremely excited at the prospect of a chamber arriving as it can also be used to treat burn victims, diabetic injuries and asthmatics amongst others.

It is expected that the hyperbaric chamber will be installed by the end of June 2004 to coincide with Dive Fest, a festival showcasing the marine environment locally and raising funds for the Dominica Watersports Association for promotion of the island at trade shows. Dominica has consistently placed in the top 10 dive destinations worldwide in diver polls.

Further funding will be sourced to train at least 6 persons as hyperbaric technicians. There is already a Doctor trained in hyperbaric medicine and recompression on the island.

Check out www.dominicamarinereserves.com and www.avirtualdominica.com for further information on the adventure capital of the Caribbean.

Arun Madisetti
Marine Manager
Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve
The Dominica Marine Reserve Service