Marine Conservation on a Tropical Island
from £695 GBP
Marine Conservation on a Tropical Island
Duration: from 1 Weeks to 12 Weeks
Countries: Thailand
£75 discount for volunteers who combine more than one PoD project! Gain PADI qualifications and contribute on ongoing marine conservation initiatives whilst living on the tropical island of Koh Tao in Thailand
Join a marine conservation project on Koh Tao, learning about coral reefs and taking part in reef check dives and other local environmental initiatives.
By increasing awareness and involvement, this project hopes to decrease our impact on coral reefs and provide solutions to protecting and restoring the reefs around Koh Tao.
A typical day
Depending on your current dive level (if any) you will start off by taking the PADI Open Water (4 days) and Advanced course (2 days), before taking part in the conservation work itself.
Each day varies considerably, but this gives you an idea of the daily schedule for the marine conservation activities:
- 09:30 Arrive at Dive School to prepare for the days activities
- 10:00 Lecture or Briefing
- 11:30 Depart by boat to dive research/restoration site
- 15:00 Return to Dive shop, wash Equipment
- 16:00 Debriefing and Data Entry
- 16:30 Finish (or optional help around office and data entry)
You will learn how to perform underwater reef surveys and help with data collection. This will give you to opportunity to gain knowledge about coral reefs and their inhabitants and you will learn how to identify different fish species and types of coral.
There will also be coral rehabilitation and nursery maintenance dives. Research dives are usually accompanied by a briefing or lecture so that you have a better understanding of the intricate eco systems that you are working with. There is an ongoing Bio-rock initiative which involves the insemination of coral on a man-made rock structure as well as a variety of other local projects you can get involved in ranging from buoy installation to turtle releases.
Coral Reefs cover less than 2% of the ocean floor but support 25% of all marine life. They are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, but also one of the most threatened. All over the world reefs are in decline, and with them the fate of over 2 million species and the economies that support millions of people.
By taking part in this project you will be making a major contribution to marine conservation on Koh Tao. As the island has become more popular the environment has come under increasing pressure, so there is a real need for action in order to protect the environment and maintain a balance between nature and the demands on it from diving and tourism, the fishing industry and the Thai community. This is a small project that is having a quick and direct impact on the island's environment.
Savings:
£75 discount for volunteers who combine more than one PoD project! £80+ discount for friends or partners sharing a room!
Representative:
All the time
This placement would suit:
Anyone who is interested in diving (no previous experience required)
Do you accept non UK citizens?
Yes
Do you accept applicants with disabilities?
No
Feedback:
“I can advise anyone who loves the sea, wants to help and learn about the marine environment to chose this placement. By doing marine conservation I have learnt so much and we have done so many different things. I think the marine conservation program has a lot to offer us. And I think every moment of the year has something special to offer the volunteers.”
Inclusions
accommodation
Marine Conservation, Thailand
a volunteer surveying coral
Marine Conservation, Thailand
turtle release project
Marine Conservation, Thailand
Koh Tao
PoD
PoD is a leading non-profit organisation arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world. We work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. Whether it is for 1 week or 6 months, volunteers are needed to help work with disadvantaged children, communities, animals and conservation projects in Belize, Cambodia, Ghana, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam.
