Marine conservation and diving projects could be your opportunity to learn to dive on and contribute to the future preservation of some of the most pristine yet fragile coral reef systems on Earth. As human impacts continue to adversely affect some of the most biologically important regions of the world, this could be your chance to make a lasting contribution to the conservation of perhaps the most beautiful ecosystem of them all, the coral reef.
What to do in Marine Conservation
The complexity of the marine environment means that your conservation work can take virtually any shape or form and focus on a huge variety of conservation interests. Depending on your motivation, your marine conservation experience could include work with fish, mammals, invertebrates, coral, mangroves, seagrass, fisheries or the communities who depend so closely on the marine environment in their everyday life.
Your conservation efforts could involve the ongoing monitoring of coral reef species, the design and implementation of sustainable fisheries or even the establishment of marine protected areas and marine reserves.
Known as the rainforests of the sea, coral reefs are perhaps the most threatened of all marine environments and are critically important to the communities that have been intrinsically linked to coral reefs for their survival for thousands of years.
As habitat loss and other negative impacts on coral reef systems continue to grow, your marine conservation project could put you in the unique position of being able to contribute to the protection of some of the most biodiverse places in the world.
Where to go to volunteer in marine conservation
The worldwide decline of coral reefs in recent years has resulted in them becoming a focus for marine conservation projects in many areas. The engagement of local communities in conservation initiatives has been crucial to their success and the subsequent implementation of such measures as fishery quotas and marine reserves.
Famous for the presence of megafauna including whale sharks and humpback whales, the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa have become areas of focus for marine conservation efforts. Travelling to Africa could see you sharing the oceans with these gentle giants in Madagascar, or monitoring the ongoing effectiveness of the Mafia Island Marine Park in Tanzania.
Renowned for the remoteness of its island communities and the pristine nature of the coral reefs that are found there, the South Pacific could be where you head to lend your hand to ongoing marine conservation project work on a remote offshore island in Fiji rarely visited by tourists.
Marine conservation with Frontier
Frontier set up its first marine conservation project on Mafia Island in Tanzania in 1989 and played a crucial role in the establishment in 1995 of the Mafia Island Marine Park. For over 21 years Frontier has specialised in the provision of projects and the unique opportunities made possible through ongoing volunteer monitoring of local ecosystems.
While on a Frontier marine conservation and diving project you could have the opportunity to train to PADI Advanced Open Water or even beyond, as well as complete one of a number of accredited qualifications that will contribute significantly to your CV.
If you think marine conservation could be your ideal project then just get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any questions that you may have, or if you’re ready to get out there and get wet then why not apply online now?