Marine Conservation Volunteer

Marine Conservation Volunteer Programs

Do you love the ocean and are you a bit of a science or biology geek? In that case, marine conservation is just the thing for you. There is a great variety of different volunteer programs waiting for you with the focus on the marine environment, its ecosystem, and especially its conservation. Each of the projects has a different focus, such as the cleaning of coastal areas or national marine parks. Other volunteer projects prioritize on ocean- and coral reef or turtle conservation. Become an ocean conservation volunteer and discover locations like Costa Rica, Mozambique, or the Philippines.

Due to the rise of tourism, marine conservation volunteering has become more and more important. Awareness needs to be raised regarding topics such as environmental issues, conservation, and the protection of marine biodiversity and resources. Are you into science or biology? Do you also want to combine an adventurous trip with doing something for the greater good? – Get active, and join one of the ocean conservation volunteer projects, now!

🤔 Why Volunteer for Marine Conservation?

For centuries, our oceans have simply been regarded as a supplier of food, a useful route for transportation, and as a place for dumping our trash.

We are now faced with the consequences of the fact that the oceans have always been taken for granted. The effect is visible not only in the decline of the oceans’ biodiversity but also in the destruction of coral reefs and precious marine habitats. This is affecting the sea turtle, shark, whale shark, and the populations of other sea creatures According to the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF), the major threats to the ocean’s are:

• Tourism and coastal development
• Shipping traffic
• Pollution
• Climate Change

Sadly, only 4 % of the oceans are being protected, a number that needs to increase rapidly. That’s why volunteers are always needed and more than welcome to become part of a marine conservation project.

🤿 How Can I Support Marine Conservation?

There is a great variety of different ocean volunteer programs. Each program is more than happy to welcome you and your helping hands.

Some ocean conservation volunteer programs focus mainly on work underwater, including scuba diving. This is your chance to observe some of the most interesting sea life. Volunteer for marine conservation and help the reef, sea turtles, sharks, whale sharks and so many more!

Other marine volunteer opportunities are engaged in work that needs to be done on the land, such as cleaning the beaches and the coastlines or working together with the local communities.

Educating the locals on the importance of marine conservation is incredibly important for the future of ocean conservation.

To find the perfect marine conservation volunteering opportunities for you, you need to take your interests and knowledge into account. You will find an overview of the different possibilities, below:

🤿 How to Volunteer for Marine Conservation Underwater

There are different volunteer abroad programs that focus especially on ocean conservation and marine protection. In these programs, scuba diving plays an important role. You will have the opportunity to be part of a project anywhere in the world. Depending on where you want to do marine volunteering abroad, you have the possibility to visit amazing places like:

• Portugal
• Costa Rica
• the Philippines
• the Bahamas
• Indonesia

In these ocean conservation programs, volunteers have the opportunity to help with the conservation of the underwater ecosystem and marine parks.

Each ocean conservation program has a different focus and different tasks, but all of them focus mainly on water-based activities. Generally speaking, you can expect to be doing one or more of the following tasks when supporting ocean conservation:

• Observing and documenting fish populations
• Coral reef farming
• Transplanting corals
• Engaging in reef clean-ups
• Exploring and mapping underwater caves

You will receive a comprehensive diving training before you go underwater. Even if you have no experience at all - don’t worry! Anyone is more than welcome to participate in scuba diving volunteer opportunities, from beginners to more experienced divers. And in case you are wondering, you will always be supervised by experienced divers during your time under the water.

🌊 How to Volunteer for Marine Conservation on Land

As a marine conservation volunteer, you will also get the chance to work on land. This can be the conservation of pl