Environment Research, Monitoring Programs & Associations

Eco Accrediation:

Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism operators are awarded with the “Eco-certified Advanced Ecotourism” accreditation by Ecotourism Australia. To achieve this rating an operator must provide an opportunity to learn about the environment, be committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, and be contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.
Credibility with industry, communities and travellers is at the heart of the ECO Certification Program. This is maintained through: rigorous assessment process, ongoing reviews, feedback from customers and guests of certified operators, audits of operators.

On the 6th November 2007 Mike Ball Dive Expeditions was awarded an Advanced Ecotourism Certification through the Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program (NEAP). 

For further information visit: www.ecotourism.org.au/eco_certification.asp
 

CRC Reef Research Affiliate:

In May 1999, Mike Ball Dive Expeditions was  officially recognised for their support to marine research projects associated with the CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd by being awarded a CRC Reef Research Affiliate award.  The close relationship with CRC Reef Research Centre is maintained today, with ongoing reef monitoring partnerships and the Dwarf Minke Whale Research Project. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Great Barrier Reef, and the creatures which inhabit it, the CRC Reef Research website is a fantastic resource: www.reef.crc.org.au/discover/index.html

Eye on the Reef:

The Eye on the Reef Program is an environmental monitoring, education and stewardship program based upon a partnership between the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the reef research community. The Program’s main aim is to facilitate information exchange between the project partners including information about dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef, and to foster stewardship of the Reef by tourism industry staff.

www.eyeonthereef.com.au/

Reef Check Research:

Reef Check's research projects focus on monitoring the health of our coral reefs and how human impacts affect them.  Reef Check Australia's dataset is available (through Google Earth) to the general public, coral reef managers and scientists.

www.reefcheckaustralia.org/index.cfm

Peace on the Reef:

Since its conception in 1994 our Peace on the Reef program has educated thousands of divers to the ongoing issue of reef and marine life protection and conservation. Our Peace on the Reef stickers has had a revamp and is looking more colourful then ever. To get yours now simply email us with your full name and postal details and will send you a new Peace on the Reef sticker.

 
Minke Whale Project

Minke Permit Holder

Minke Whale Project:

The Minke Whale Project is the combined scheme of James Cook University , the Museum of Tropical Queensland and live-aboard dive tour operators in the Cairns section of the Great Barrier Reef .

Passengers and crew are asked to get involved with this project by completing simple forms which include information on the number of whale sightings, type of whales, where they were sighted, etc. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions were privileged to win five awards for their contribution to the project, following the 2008 season.