If you’re passionate about ocean conservation, here’s an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. The 154-foot (47-meter) Usher is kicking off a series of expeditions in August where you can assist marine-research scientists in collecting data on and photographing a variety of marine life. It’s thanks to a partnership between Fleet Miami and the International SeaKeepers Society. Each trip is termed a Fleet Miami/SeaKeepers Experience.
The first expedition starts the week of August 15 in the Bahamas. For up to four days, you and your guests will assist with shark research. The scientists on the Fleet Miami/SeaKeepers Experience will teach you about sharks common to Bahamian waters, and what threats they face. You’ll learn about how the Save Our Seas Shark Research Center and the Guy Harvey Research Institute have ongoing studies, too. During three to four reef-snorkeling trips from Usher, you’ll be paired with scientists and identify shark species, record the sex and size estimates, and photograph them. Both Fleet Miami and SeaKeepers recommend guests be at least 16 years old for the snorkeling trips. However, anyone is welcome to participate in the onboard educational sessions during the Fleet Miami/SeaKeepers Experience.
While you and your guests will stay aboard Usher, the scientists will stay aboard another Fleet Miami boat. She’s Shredder, a 54-footer (16.5-meter). The rate for the Fleet Miami/SeaKeepers Experience: $175,000, plus Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). (APA is a percentage of the listed rate, used by the crew to provision the yacht. It does not include gratuity and may or may not include things like taxes, all dependent upon the charter location.)
This isn’t the only time that the Fleet Miami/SeaKeepers Experience will be offered. Though exact dates haven’t yet been announced, there’s a planned expedition to go reef-mapping in the Florida Keys. Coral-reef researchers will be available for this trip.
“We are proud to announce our support of and partnership with such an influential and active organization as The International SeaKeepers Society,” says Glen Allen, Fleet Miami’s fleet captain. “Now, each Fleet Miami charter that incorporates a SeaKeepers Learning Expedition will not only be memorable and educational for each charter guest, but will lend a positive impact on overall ocean conservancy efforts.”
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