Diving WWII Wrecks of Truk Lagoon

  Micronesia

Dates: 2008: Jul 28 - Aug 9, Aug 11 - Aug 23, Oct 22 - Nov 3, Nov 5 - Nov 17

Description: Research Mission:
Helping to preserve the natural and heritage attributes of Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon's World War II submerged sites.

Situation Report
Truk Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia--Truk (a.k.a. Chuuk) was an Imperial Japanese Navy base during World War II. Considered second only to Pearl Harbor in strength, the U.S. saw this base as a major threat and in in February 1944 began Operation Hailstone, a 2-day intense aerial bombing campaign that continued in various forms until the war's end. More than 50 naval and merchant ships were sunk in Truk Lagoon, and up to 100 aircraft, with many intact, having been protected by the surrounding barrier reef. The submerged military remains also attract colorful and diverse marine life, some of it unique to the area, as well as divers from around the world. Maritime archaeologist Bill Jeffery, materials scientist Dr. Ian Macleod, and marine ecologist Maria Beger aim to document and help protect Truk Lagoon's rich historic and biological heritage.

Meals and Accommodations
Teams stay in new studio apartments about five minutes from the diving base. Each unit sleeps three, and is equipped with a stove, a refrigerator, a conventional bathroom with a cold shower, and air conditioning. A cook will prepare hearty meals, using locally available food such as fresh fish and breadfruit. There are also a number of good local and "international" restaurants that your team may decide to explore.

Highlights: In the warm, clear, and current-free waters of this protected lagoon, you will scuba dive among the spectacular remains of coral-draped Japanese ships and aircraft. After an introduction to archaeological and biological recording techniques and diving practices, you will divide into groups and take to the water with waterproof slates, measuring tapes, and waterproof digital voltmeters. Using these simple instruments, you will observe and record information on the lagoon's archaeology and on the corrosion and current decay rates of the wrecks. You will learn to recognize coral reef animals such as fishes and hard corals to conduct an assessment of marine life. You will have two non-diving days during which you will help enter data and take oral histories from local people. You will also have a free day to explore some of the volcanic islands and coral atolls that surround the lagoon, as well as other historic sites. All volunteers must be scuba-certified with at least two years experience diving to 60 feet and medically fit to dive.

Qualifications: All volunteers must be scuba-certified with at least two years experience diving to 60 feet and medically fit to dive. Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. There is no upper age limit, yet all volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and in some cases 18 or 21 years old.

Cost in US$: 2,646

Experience Required: yes

All volunteers must be scuba-certified with at least two years experience diving to 60 feet and medically fit to dive.

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Micronesia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5 - 9

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. Hundreds of expedition teams can use your help in 48 countries and 16 U.S. states this year.

Year Founded: 1971