Goodbye Plastic and Hello To The Bamboo Straw!

MRCI preforms regular beach cleans on Nosy Komba and the most common trash found during these cleans is plastic. Plastic is a major issue for the environment because it takes over 200 years to degrade. However due to the fact that plastic is not biodegradable, the tiny plastic fragments will remain on the earth forever.

Unfortunately, plastic drinking straws are primarily made out of type 5 plastic, or polypropylene. This type of plastic is not easily recyclable so most recycling plants do not accept type 5 plastic. Without a means to recycle plastic straws, they tend to end up in landfills, the ocean, or are burned. According to getgreennow.com, straws/stirrers are the 11th most found ocean trash in cleanups. Straws are also typically a single use item, meaning that once it is used it is thrown away. With drinking straws being a common addition to any drink in most restaurants, the amount of straws being used in a day around the world is astronomical.

Due to these facts our Volunteers and staff were determined to find a way to cut down on the use of plastic straws on Nosy Komba. With the combined efforts of the Marine and Forest programs the idea to replace plastic straws with the bamboo straw was born!

Bamboo is widely found on the island, is fast growing, and is 100% biodegradable! Our Forest program has added bamboo harvesting into their regular schedule now and the production process has begun! Our Forest Volunteers harvest bamboo shoots that are the appropriate straw width then bring them back to camp where they are processed. The Bamboo is then cut down to the right length, smoothed out, and cleaned. Processing the straws is an activity that all members of camp can take part in!

The next step is to test out our first batch of straws! MRCI will be providing straws to a local restaurant who has agreed to take part in our bamboo straw testing. Our Forest program is looking to gain information on how the bamboo straw compares to their plastic counterpart during this trial. The overall goal is that the straws will become an ongoing project on camp and that multiple restaurants on Nosy Komba, and hopefully Nosy Be as well will begin to use the bamboo straw instead of plastic!

Check out our Forest Conservation Program and

Follow our Bamboo Straw Initiative on Social Media!

An artificial reef is a man made structure built with the specific aim of to promote the marine life of an area. Some artificial reefs are created accidentally such as ship wrecks and others have been created intentionally such as the reef built by MRCI.

Due to natural and man made issues the coral reef located right off of our home beach has suffered from coral bleaching as well as large sections dying off. Human actions such as overfishing and natural issues such as the yearly cyclones that affect Nosy Komba have played a role in the decline of our reef.

In November of 2016 MRCI was able to get our home reef approved as a Marine Protected Area (MPA). The World Wildlife Fund describes a marine protected area as, “An area designated and effectively managed to protect marine ecosystems, processes, habitats, and species, which can contribute to the restoration and replenishment of resources for social, economic, and cultural enrichment”. The MRCI Marine Protected Area is a strict no fishing zone. By banning fishing on our reef we are allowing the ecosystem to recover from the years of over fishing which had occurred.

MRCI Marine staff and Volunteers have worked hard to create multiple artificial reefs of our own. During one addition to our reef Staff and Volunteers built 30 boulder-like structures which were arranged in lines parallel to the existing natural reef inside our MPA. The collection of domes was named the orchard and had 280 baby corals transplanted onto the 30 domes! MRCI had access to the baby corals thanks to friends of our partner organization CNRO and Nosy Be aquaculture.

Our current reefs have provided a substrate for a huge array of benthic and sessile organisms to grow. To name a few, sponges, soft corals, ascidians, algae, oysters and crabs. The reefs also have a range of juvenile fish, cuttlefish and squid.

Artificial reefs can be highly beneficial to the marine life in an area because it provides a hard surfaces where algae and invertebrates such as barnacles, corals, and oysters  can attach. The accumulation of attached marine life then provides an intricate structure and a food source for assemblages of fish.

There can be downfalls if an artificial reef is not correctly implemented. For example, the materials used in the construction of artificial reefs are not always environmentally friendly. In some areas tires and PVC pipe are a common material in reef construction. Over time these materials will break down and release toxins as well as smaller debris into the ocean.

Artificial reefs also have been known to draw new life from already existing natural reefs. When this occurs the near by natural reefs suffer due to the large number of species that have left. The artificial reefs that are successful tend to have large concentrations of fish living on them. When fish are found in large concentrations it makes them easier to fish.

MRCI has taken these issues into account when building our own reefs. Our reefs are built out of concrete which can be formed to create structures. Concrete is a porous material which encourages the growth of algae and coral over time. It also does not release toxic chemicals into the ocean when it breaks down. Our artificial reef is also constructed within our Marine Protected Area to ensure that the fish living on our reef will not be easy targets for fishermen. Having a protected area where fishing is banned has allowed for our artificial reefs to naturally progress and slowly integrate into the marine ecosystem that already exists in the area.

Getting to work on our artificial reef projects have been a highlight for many of our Marine Volunteers! Volunteers get to help in the construction, coral transplants, reef placement, baby coral cleans, as well as the on going reef surveys! Being a part of such an important ongoing projects lets volunteers see some of the immediate impacts that their work is doing.

If you’re interested in our artificial reef projects check out our

Marine Conservation Program as well as on social media!

Island Outreach Boat Trip with seven different destinations in 10 days, let the journey begin.

Our trip started with a lovely tour of the CNRO (Centre National de Recherches Oceangraphiques) in Nosy Be where we broadened our knowledge on some of the history and wildlife Madagsacar has to offer.

It was the start of a 10-day journey with 12 new faces from all corners of the globe. Places like Mexico, Croatia, New Zealand, South Africa and Columbia just to name a few. It’s always a gamble when it comes to who you will land up with, but it was as if we were all meant to be on this trip together. There was just such a positive energy from the get go and everyone just seemed to get along like peanut butter and jam.  For many onboard it was their first time to Africa and their first time on a boat so we could say it was the start of many firsts.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 1:

The boat was captained by Abdu and Menjah served as our guide throughout the duration of our journey. With Abdu’s many years of experience we felt as if we were in safe hands upon boarding The Spirit of Malala. We waved our goodbyes to Hell-Ville and Nosy Komba and started our two-and-a-half-hour journey to the sacred island of Nosy Mamoko, where we would be spending two nights.  The boat turned out to be very comfortable and as we set off the in-house chef, Ilos, was filling the air with the most amazing aromas which seemed to be brewing from the tiny 2×2 kitchen. The first leg of the journey everyone got to know each other until we reached Mamoko. The sun was dipping casting some beautiful light over the island of Mamoko, yet leaving us with enough light to squeeze in a good snorkel. The skies were displaying an array of oranges and pinks as we were busy pitching our tents on Nosy Mamoko for our first overnight.

At first many of us weren’t too sure of what ‘sacred’ entailed but we soon found out through Menjah that it meant no making use of the land for any toilet needs and no form of shoes allowed on the island. So as much as this trip has offered many firsts, it also made for a truly unique first time experience of going for a number two in the ocean. It undoubtedly led to a few awkward moments when you spotted someone from the group heading into the waters at 12 at night or early hours of the morning.

It is always quite an adaptation to adjust to a new cuisine and routine and in Madagascar snacking isn’t as much of a thing as in many other places so meals are usually around 6am, 12pm and 6pm. So, it goes without saying that by 6pm everyone was ravenous, but to our delight Ilos had the braai going with the Couta (King Mackerel) that we were lucky to catch fresh on our way to Mamoko. He prepared the Couta with a local Malagasy sauce made of tomato, garlic, onion, lemon and accompanied with some rice (riz blanc). As they say hunger is the best spice, however in this case the flavours were truly just phenomenal. Having our bellies filled we ended our day chatting on the beach stargazing next to our bonfire.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 2:

At around seven in the morning we would either do a turtle survey or a bird survey.  The group would split into two. One group venturing into the forest in search of bird species, recording their findings as they go. The other group would look over the turquoise waters with keen eyes and search for any breaching turtle. We had it on our agenda to visit two cascades for the day one before and one after lunch, so we wasted no time and started our journey to cascade number one. It was fascinating how the landscape changed from the lush, forestry vegetation to more sparse grasslands with a more arid biome.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 3:

Things started slightly earlier as we had to pack up camp and move on to our next destination. However we had a nice little surprise in store beforehand. After our turtle and bird watch, Menjah guided us into the village where we met with the queen of the village. Meeting her was such a humbling experience as it felt as if she greeted each of us individually and afterwards started calling “maki, maki, maki” which is the call for the lemurs. It was in no time that the trees started shaking from all corners.  To our amazement nearly 30 lemurs popped out of the trees and approached us.

They were surprisingly tame and some even hopped onto our shoulders to get hold of the bananas that we had on offer. It was really interesting to see how when it comes to feeding time the females are the dominant ones and don’t allow the males to eat. Just when we thought the lemurs were a highlight of our morning we got to see a 100-year-old tortoise. We got the engines rolling again and ventured on to Ampoagna after our amazing experience on Mamoko.

In Ampoagna we went for a walk through the village which is located on a serene white sand beach. Simply walking through the village was a very peaceful experience. Our aim was to go and have a look at the progress that the construction team has made with their efforts on building a clinic for the area as there is no medical center or clinic in any of the surrounding areas. As we were about to leave the locals wanted to challenge us to a football match which we happily took up. Sadly, we didn’t do too well.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 4:

Probably the most serene day on the trip so far. The waters were extremely calm with not a drop of wind. We wasted no time in getting this beautiful day on a roll. First up was a snorkel at Ankazabravana, a marine protected area. It was truly amazing visibility and the aquatic life was absolutely abundant. With a few sightings of emperor angelfish, Moorish idols, parrotfish, batfish and a variety of surgeonfish we definitely got our fix. Our snorkel unfortunately came to an abrupt stop when we swam into a colony of jellyfish. Next up we had a hike planned trekking across areas of Russian Bay where Mary unfortunately fell and injured herself a little. Everyone was rather sad that we had to divert our path to the coast for the rest of the journey, but it led us to a turtle breeding ground where we stumbled upon a batch of turtles hatching and making a run for the ocean. Everyone quickly changed their feelings towards Mary and having to divert paths as it led us onto what most people considered the highlight of their trip.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 5:

After having spent another night in Russian Bay we ventured out in the morning to a place called Sugar Loaf. It looks like an enormous rock simply plonked in the middle of the ocean. It led to some pretty fantastic snorkeling as the rock formation forms a wall underwater that is thriving with coral and marine life.

Antsoha

On this little island we got to see 3 varying species of lemur including the Safika. Which for many was a dream to see. The island also has a private room, aka the love room which everyone seems to be keeping open as a potential for their honeymoons one day as it is truly picture perfect. Nestled amongst the trees on the peak of the island you are surrounded with 360 degrees of turquoise beauty. After a delicious meal by Ilos we were led on a hike in a different region of Russian Bay by a local guide, Maul. It was a long 12km hike, but knowing that one gets a meal prepared by Ilos made it that much easier.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 6:

We started early as it was onto Baharamamay for the next few days. It wasn’t all that bad as when we got back onboard Ilos had French toast ready to go.

Nosy Iranja

Arguably one of the top five most beautiful places myself and the rest of the group have seen. It feels as if you would be stepping into a postcard. It redefined unreal. We did a quick hike up to the lighthouse designed by Gustave Eiffel the same person who designed the Eiffel tower. En route to Nosy Iranja, Ilos reeled in yet another fresh fish. He performed his magic behind the scenes and we were served the most succulent roasted fresh fish with saffron coconut rice and a shredded carrot and cucumber salad. Absolutely delectable, well to the point where everyone enjoyed one or three scoops too many. But since we had the opportunity to snorkel with green turtles after lunch everyone decided to put their food comas aside and rather hop in the water to snorkel with the green turtles, which is not something you just get to do everyday.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 7:

Today we hiked through the landscapes of Baharamamay where we also walked through a swamp to get a feel for what the loacals need to go through on a daily basis. Walking through the swamp, it almost felt as if it was trying to swallow us in as each step you take it just sucks your foot in and you need to give a serious tug to move onto the next step. It really gave us a greater appreciation and understanding of the day to day life of the local Malagasy people.

After our lesson, we got to play a match of football with the locals and in this sense, it really defined what it meant to have a home ground advantage. The pitch had two wooden poles set up on either side as goal posts and whilst playing you need to dodge an array of roots, rocks and trees nestled in and around the pitch.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 8:

Abdu organized a special experience for us today as he got two piroques which we used to row further into the bay. We were extremely lucky in spotting a sea eagle on route. There was not much chit chat on board as everyone was taking in the scenery. It was as if we were entering the mangrove scene in Life of Pi. The water was glass and almost mirrored the sky surrounded by lush green mangroves on either side. As much as it was a beautiful experience we all got to understand first hand that rowing on a piroque isn’t the easiest mode of transport. It’s one of those moments where you appreciate Ole Evinrude for inventing the outboard motor.

After lunch, we could go for a snorkel, but it was rather clear that the rowing made people ‘slightly’ fatigued and everywhere you looked people just found a spot to nestle themselves into. We got the opportunity to teach in the village once more and enjoy a soccer match afterwards with the locals. A big part of the Island Outreach Program is to collect old batteries from all the places we visit as batteries that get left without proper disposal can contaminate litres of ocean water. So after the match we went around from hut to hut in search of batteries.

At 7pm, everyone was in bed.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 9:

We got to go past Nosy Iranja for one last snorkel on route to Russian Bay for our last night. The trip back to Russian Bay was rather long but everyone was happy to spend a few hours on the Spirit of Malala, a place that has become home for the past 9 days.

Island Outreach Boat Trip

Day 10:

Everyone woke up slightly sad knowing that it is the last day on our magical trip. At least there was one stop planned at Tanikely before we headed back to camp. And oh, my Tanikely truly had amazing snorkel, definitely one of the best as it is situated in a marine reserve.

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Learn More About Our Island Outreach Program

or Apply Online

 

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This month our community intern, Kaela, went on a discovery dive! A discovery dive is a basic introduction to diving for someone who is interested in diving but does not yet have any certification. You do not need any prior diving knowledge or qualifications to do a discovery dive, and you are fully monitored by a trained instructor throughout the entire experience. Kaela shared that she was very terrified before the dive but was put at ease by her trained dive instructor, Kyle Nelson Devine. Before even entering the water, Kyle gave Kaela a briefing of basic diving procedures as well as went over the equipment and what it is used for. Once the briefing was completed Kyle and Kaela got suited up and made their way down to the beach!

Once at the beach the pair entered the water to about their waists and began the in-water section of the discovery dive! Kyle helped Kaela deflate her buoyance control device (BCD) and get her mask sorted before eventually getting on their knees and taking their first underwater breaths! Kaela said taking her first breath underwater was one of the best highlights from the experience. Once Kaela understood how to breath underwater Kyle went on to teach her how to clear her mask, as well as how to recover and clear her regulator. Kaela also was excited that she got to learned how to assist a fellow diver in case they were to run out of air!

After all the basic skills were taught Kyle then took Kaela further out into the water where she went on her first ever dive! To begin he helped her inflate her BCD and obtain natural buoyance under water. She said she has never experienced anything like being naturally buoyant and claimed she loved the feeling that she was floating!

While diving Kyle assisted Kaela as they navigated through our reef. Before the dive Kaela was scared she would run into something and was very relieved that she did not touch any coral during her entire dive! A highlight of the dive for Kaela was getting to see a Nudibranch (a sea slug)! She also enjoyed getting to have a better look at all the coral on our reef as well as all the fish.

Overall Kaela had a great first diving experience and highly recommends it to anyone who thinks they might be interested in going on a dive while in Madagascar!

Are You Curious About Doing A Discovery Dive?

Then Check Out Our Dive SchoolOr Our Marine Conservation Program!

 

 

Fundraise Game Between  MRCI Volunteer Team

& Ampang Women’s Basketball Team, ASJETNO

On Thursday the 26^th of July, MRCI volunteers participated in a fundraising event for the local Ampang Women’s Basketball Team, ASJETNO. MRCI held a Volunteer vs ASJETNO basketball game to help fundraise the teams trip to the national tournament! MRCI has helped sponsor the team throughout the season and was able to fundraise enough money to get the team to regionals this year. (Past volunteers also managed to fundraise enough money to get the team new uniforms so the team could match at regionals.)

Staff and Volunteers spent the afternoon at the Ampang basketball court cheering on the games, and collecting donations from spectators. The fundraising goes towards the transportation, accommodation, entrance fee, and other basic necessities while at the tournament for the team. The national tournament is being held just south of Antananarivo so fundraising is necessary to make the trip possible for the girls.

Our volunteer girls team gave the game their all and managed to end the game in a tie! The volunteer boys team was not as lucky, but they managed to end in a close game! The volunteers all had a great time enjoying food from the local vendors, cheering on the games, and spending time with the community.

At the end of the day MRCI managed to raise 110,000 Ariary towards the girl’s travel fund! More fundraising basketball games will be organized for the future since the Volunteers enjoyed this fundraiser so much!

Want to help our Team? Find out how Here