Reef Endeavour to host Marine Science Guest Lecturers in Fiji – Jan & April 2023

Captain Cook Cruises is thrilled that both leading Marine Biologists, Dr Penny Berents and Prof Kris Helgen, Chief Scientist at the Australian Museum will be joining MV Reef Endeavour for cruise expeditions in the Fiji Islands in 2023. Captain Cook Cruises pioneers marine education and sustainability initiatives in the Pacific and the collaboration with Dr Berents and Prof Helgen sparks an exciting opportunity for guests.

Dr Berents will join the 7 night Remote North Cruise on 22 April. She is one of Australia's leading Marine Biologists and has spent over 40 years researching all aspects of biodiversity. Dr Berents has dedicated her life to conducting surveys and collecting data in marine environments, from coral reefs to the deep sea. In addition to her wealth of knowledge, she is also a Scuba Dive Instructor and an experienced boat handler leading numerous expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef and the Indo-Pacific. She retired in 2014 as Head of Natural Sciences at the Australian Museum and is now a Senior Fellow in the Australian Museum Research Institute. Dr Penny Berents had an incredible time cruising with the company in 2022 and simply couldn’t wait to be back on board to deliver another insightful lecture.

Dr Helgen will join the 7 night Remote Lau Island Cruise departing on 14 January. As Chief Scientist at the Australian Museum he brings with him a wealth of experience. The Harvard University Fullbright Scholar is a Trustee of the Lizard Island Reef Research Institute, has previously been Curator-in-Charge of Mammals at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History having conducted research in more than 50 countries documenting some 100 previously overlooked species of living mammals. Prof Helgen’s expeditions and discoveries have been featured in two major documentary series by the BBC Natural History Unit. He is a National Geographic Society Explorer, a CNN Inspirations Researcher, and named in the list of the “Most Innovative Under 40” by Business Insider magazine.

Guests who join these departures will benefit from an extraordinary number of enhanced skills and knowledge. Captain Cook Cruises offers guests numerous opportunities to learn about and engage with Fiji’s marine life. The team of Marine Biologists onboard MV Reef Endeavour guide guests on snorkelling trips where they can witness magnificent coral reefs and its abundant ecosystem of tropical fish, reef sharks, manta rays, turtles and more. The ship is PADI 5 star and the dive offerings are also comprehensive from intro to advanced dives. After witnessing Fiji’s exquisite marine life, guests are bound to be inquisitive and can join interactive ‘Reef Talks’ with the company Marine Biologist. These educational discussions inspire guests to conserve and protect the Pacific Ocean. On MV Reef Endeavour and Day Cruises to Tivua Private Island, guests can help revitalise Fiji’s coral reefs by planting a coral frag and earning a participation certificate in their ‘Buy a Coral, Build a Reef’ program. Guests can also be Citizen Scientists and log their marine sightings on Captain Cook’s projects on iNaturalist.org to help contribute to the scientific data on Fiji’s marine life.

‘We are very excited to welcome Dr Berents and Prof Helgen on board Reef Endeavour and are looking forward to working with them as we explore and share remote Fiji’s wonderful natural environments’ Amos Daniel, Marine Biologist, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

The educational experiences Captain Cook Cruises offers will be heightened with the attendance of Dr Berents and Prof Helgen. They will conduct daily lectures and be actively collaborating with all the established on board programs. Guests can expect to learn about marine invertebrates, biodiversity of crustacean amphipods, Fiji’s contribution to the biodiversity of the Pacific and the positive effect of the giant clam rejuvenation program on the crown of thorns star fish on the reefs of Fiji.

Prof Kris Helgen will be joining Captain Cook Cruises on the 14th of January 7 night Lau Island Cruise and Dr Penny Berents 22nd April 2023 for the 7-Night Cruise exploring the Remote North. Book now and benefit from the educational insight from one of the world’s leading scientists.

Reef Endeavour’s voyages to the Remote North and Lau Islands occur only a few times a year. These bucket list experiences provide an opportunity to immerse the visitor in the pristine natural environment of Fiji and to experience this unique culture first-hand. Other voyages include a 3, 4 and 7 Night cruise to the Mamanuca & Yasawa islands, departing most Tuesdays and Saturdays, and a 7 and 11-Night cruise to the Lau & Kadavu on selected dates. For a short and sweet adventure, join their Day Sail to Tivua Private Island or Sunset Dinner Cruise.

For further information and bookings visit www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com

or pr@captaincookcruisesfiji.com or +61 2 9126 8160

*Source: Allison Haworth-West, Chief Executive Officer www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com
Captain Cook Cruises Management Ltd
Ph +679 6701 823 or E sales@captaincookcruisesfiji.com
Captain Cook Cruises Building, Port Denarau,(PO Box 23) Nadi, Fiji Islands