Founded in Spain, Costa Rica and California, Innoceana is a non-profit whose team comprises of marine biologists, research scientists, engineers, among other disciplines.
Innoceana are on a mission to preserve marine ecosystems through the empowerment of coastal communities in order to create a global network of marine conservation and education centres which will help preserve the oceans for future generations.
Innoceana’s Marine Conservation and Education Center (MCEC) in Costa Rica proposes an innovative model that seeks to raise awareness in the local and international community on the comprehensive care of marine ecosystems, creating as well an ideal space for research projects. Described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is home to creatures big and small, from breaching humpback whales to brightly coloured nudibranchs. The waters surrounding the peninsula are home to biologically important ecosystems including the coral reefs of Caño Island, mangrove forests and wetlands.
GVI is an experiential education organisation that run impactful and ethical sustainable development programs across Asia, Africa, Latin Africa, the South Pacific, and Europe.
Each programme is aligned to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is in-keeping with internationally accepted ethical best practices. GVI ensures that all participants will make a meaningful impact during their time abroad, whilst also improving their employability.
In all their marine conservation locations (Fiji, Mexico, Belize, and Seychelles), GVI focuses on coral conservation research. However, there are also opportunities to gain practical experience in other topics, e.g., plastic pollution programmes in Fiji and Thailand, coral bleaching research programmes in Seychelles, sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, and lemon shark conservation in Seychelles.
The SharkWise Project Internship is based in Umkomaas, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and is aimed at young students wanting hands-on experience in marine biology, focusing on shark research. It was founded by Dr Sara Andreotti, a marine biologist specialising in shark research, and Walter Bernardis, world-renowned shark behaviour expert.
The interns work with Masters and/or PhD students that are registered at Stellenbosch University. The interns assist with data collection for the postgraduate research. Current postgraduate research includes: genetic sampling, shark fin photo identification, underwater photogrammetry and reef biodiversity assessment
Indo Ocean Project was founded by marine biologists, dive instructors, and ocean enthusiasts from around the globe to create a standardized data collection and research diver training programme in Indonesia.
They work with universities, government agencies, NGO’s, and local communities to carry out research that address marine conservation issues. They also conduct ecological monitoring in the Indo-Pacific Region. Field expeditions host international and local projects that are focused on marine megafauna and coral reef conservation.
Internships are undertaken in either Sulawesi or on the island of Nusa Penida. The Divemaster course will teach you to be a leader, and you will develop the skills to direct a variety of scuba activities.
The Marine Research and High Education Center (MaRHECenter / MaRHE) was officially inaugurated in 2009 on Magoodhoo Island, Maldives.
MaRHE’s purpose is to undertake vital research on the surrounding coral reef ecosystems and to spread awareness of how we can protect fragile environments. Teachers often run workshops and traineeships, with a wide range of topics covered. With regards to research, research activities can be conducted on a vast array of subjects. Current programmes include coral reef research, fisheries research, shark conservation and marine mammal research.
New Heaven Reef Conservation Programme (NHRCP) is located on the southern side of Koh Tao, which is situated on the Gulf of Thailand. Dedicated to the preservation, protection and restoration of the reef ecosystems that surround the island, NHRCP raise awareness and educate both volunteers and the local community about marine conservation through the courses offered.
Throughout the programme, participants will have the opportunity to step into the role of reef conservationist and learn the practical applications of marine science and protection. Lectures provide information on numerous key topics, and diving provides the chance to undertake coral gardening, reef surveys, coral predator management, underwater clean-ups and more!
In 2015, two dive instructors met on a tiny island in Indonesia and fell in love. They noticed that over the years they saw less sharks and more trash in the ocean. Something had to change! Together they started Gili Shark Conservation, an award-winning conservation, and data collection program on The Gili’s.
Did you know that Indonesia is the top shark-fishing nation in the world? Gili Shark Conservation made it their mission to protect and restore the coral reef environment around the Gili Islands and to help to create the first recognized shark nursery ground in Indonesia by 2025.
Would you like to help out? Gili Shark Conservation has 10 spots available in their research team throughout the whole year. During your stay you will you learn how to dive (or improve existing skills) and be certified as a PADI Scientific Diver and PADI Aware Shark Specialist. Their team of scientist and instructors will train you how to identify turtles, how to set up an monitor a coral restoration project and how conduct data input and analysis. Gili Shark Conservation is using the following research methods to reach their goals: roving survey dives, fish and benthic survey dives, photo identification, underwater and arial timelapse, coral health index, coral watch and remote underwater video.
The Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) is located on the island of Benguerra, in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP), southern Mozambique.
The BANP is the home to the last viable population of dugongs in the Western Indian Ocean and is also a breeding ground for migratory humpback whales.
The archipelago, which is protected by the WWF, is a refuge for many endangered species and plays host to various critical marine and terrestrial habitats. Consequently, through research with the BCSS, you will be able to dive in one of the world’s most diverse coral reef ecosystems and witness behavior such as open ocean shark feeding, turtle breeding and whale migrations. BCSS’s founding principles are to understand, protect, and guarantee and they are determined to ensure that every volunteer helps the station to achieve this.
Bali Diving Academy is a renowned PADI 5 star IDC center with a 100% safety record and the highest quality standards. They were founded in 1991, and since then have regularly worked together with National Geographic, the Marine Megafauna Foundation and the Coral Triangle Center. Their company motto is: Connect You With The Ocean.
They currently offer several courses, including a Marine Biology Divemaster Internship, a Reef Check Eco Diver Course, and a Coral Reef Restoration Internship. All mentors will be an experienced PADI Instructor and Marine Biologist or recognized Coral Conservationist with whom you are free to contact to discuss any questions before signing up to an internship.
Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP) is a non-profit NGO working to preserve the fragile marine habitats, like coral reefs and mangrove forests, and to improve quality of life for marginalized workers in central Philippines.
By embarking on an expedition with MCP, participants will join a large team of professional marine biologists, scientists, teachers, and dive instructors to help tackle the myriad of issues facing our oceans today. Participation includes extensive scuba-diving; however, you can obtain these qualifications during the course if necessary.
In a travel market saturated with green washed volunteer opportunities, MCP sets themselves apart. They are a locally registered non-profit, and work under the auspices of the local government, and in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatics Resources, the Department of Natural Resources, and several universities. The staff to volunteer ratio is 1:1, ensuring the work of volunteers truly does make a difference!
Founded in 2014, Love the Oceans is a non-profit marine conservation organisation based in Jangamo Bay, Mozambique. Jangamo Bay is home to a vast array of marine life, however, has not been studied in-depth for any prolonged amount of time. As such, Love the Oceans is working to study and protect the diverse marine life found here, which includes sharks, rays, and humpback whales.
They use research, education, and diving to drive action towards a more sustainable future. One of their key goals is to establish a Marine Protected Area for the Inhambane Province in Mozambique. Their cutting edge, ethical volunteer programme provides participants with the opportunity to gain hands-on conservation experience whilst working alongside marine biologists who are undertaking research, community outreach and diving excursions.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Greece. Established in 1998, they are committed to researching and defending the rare biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands, as well as the North-East Mediterranean region overall.
Hosting students and scholars year-round, their research bases in the Aegean Islands offer an array of topics for participants to choose from. These include: Marine Mammal Conservation, Coastal Biodiversity Research, Fisheries Management and Marine Ecology Research.
