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	HOMEPAGE Introduction to the Baywatch Project In comparison with many developed nations, South Africa still has much of its natural flora and fauna intact. This is also true of the marine environment where legislation imposing a total ban on whale hunting has been in effect from 1979 whilst similar laws enacted in 1991, pioneered the protection of the Great White Shark. Furthermore, restrictions on the catches of other marine species have been imposed on both commercial and recreational fishermen. Despite this well intended legislation, South Africa’s law enforcement agencies charged with managing and preserving these precious assets have come under increasing pressure as well organised and equipped gangs have embarked on the poaching of abalone, crayfish and other marine species on large scale. In order to deal with the different challenges facing our marine environment it was necessary to pioneer and implement a new strategy that would assist those organisations striving to protect our marine environment. The Baywatch Marine Conservation Project was started during 1992. The aims of the project are to:   • Educate the community, especially the youth, about the marine environment and the need for its conservation and protection • Assist organisations responsible for marine law enforcement and marine research • Undertake our own independent research To the best of our knowledge it was the first project of this nature in Africa. Because funding of such projects is not always readily available in South Africa, it was decided to make the project self-financing and to this end, Raggy Charters was established during 1997 in order to generate funds for the Baywatch Project. Revenue is generated by offering a wide range of marine eco tours; assisting with research work and other commercial operations. The advantage of being self- funded is that no-one can withhold support if it is shown that the sponsors themselves are actually contributing to the degradation of our marine resources. In order to expand the scope of the project, a marine volunteering programme was launched in July 2007.  The Baywatch project has now reached the stage where we can impart the knowledge and experience gained during the last 14 years to people that would like to assist us in South Africa (and the rest of the world for that matter) in furthering marine conservation. Not only are participants taught about most aspects of marine education but they are also afforded the opportunity to work in a viable marine charter business. On completion of the programme, diligent participants should have acquired sufficient experience to be able to set up their own marine conservation project or manage a marine charter business. Lloyd Edwards Founder of the Baywatch Project		NEWS VOLUNTEERING NEWS x x Currently we are focussing on our volunteer program - that is besides watching the whales and dolphins. Looking for a marine experience during your gap year. Our owner-run and owner-managed programme is really diverse, and therefore an unforgettable experience.  On this site you will find a lot of information about our program. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Please note that all of the pictures on this site are either taken by Lloyd Edwards or one of the volunteers. So everything that you will see on this site could happen to you as well!
	CONTACT DETAILS PHONE: + 27 (0)41 378 2528 MOBILE: +27 (0)73 152 2277 PO BOX 15317 EMERALD HILL 6011 email: INFO@THEBAYWATCHPROJECT.COM WWW.THEBAYWATCHPROJECT.COM		Funded by: