As plants and corals are the backbone of the ocean, conservation in this area is becoming increasingly important. Because of a recent phenomenon called coral bleaching, which is caused by higher ocean water temperatures, more volunteers are needed to assist in studies, research dives, and to work with scientists as they strive to save our coral reefs.

Similarly, an increase in beach-front development in many countries is threatening the last stable habitats of many marine species. While working with animals may sometimes seem more appealing, remember that it is the habitats of the ocean that must support such a diverse range of species. Working with coral and plant life is not only ecologically gratifying, but also is one of the most stimulating branches of environmental recovery. 

Animal Research and Rehabilitation

Many marine conservation programs also focus on working with animals such as sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. Just as it is important to preserve the habitats in which these animals live, it is also integral for scientists to understand the needs of the animals themselves. Therefore, many marine animal volunteers assist with research, rehabilitation, and population monitoring. Marine animals are fascinating to work with and are sure to provide a unique service experience that is much different from the typical one. Volunteering with marine animals is also an excellent idea for someone considering a career or else a hobby in veterinary science or biology. 

Finding a Program

At Volunteer Global, we promote many programs that work for ocean conservation. Programs range from general to specific and often include many areas for volunteers, especially long-term volunteers, to specialize in. If you're someone with plenty of experience working with marine animals or habitats, it also might be a good idea to check out internships with these programs, as many of them look for skilled young professionals to give a hand.

Keep in mind that some of the programs require specialty skills such as SCUBA certification or research experience. If you do not have this now, this might just be the opportunity for you to gain or work on these skills for future expeditions. Even if you live far from the ocean, there are many PADI-certification dive shops that have opportunities to become SCUBA certified, and some even give the opportunity for marine research experience. If this is what you want to do, go for it! Chances are, you won't regret it. 

A Few Awesome Ocean Conservation Programs:

>>Archelon: Works to protect the habitats of sea turtles in Greece by research, nursing sick and injured turtles back to health, raising public awareness, restoring natural sea turtle habitats, and working to create management solutions for future protections. This program works on a timeline of at least one month.

>>Naucrates: Works to monitor and protect sea turtle nests, mangrove forests, reef monitoring and protection, environmental education, and community involvement in Thailand. This program requires at least a two-week commitment. 

>>Coral Cay Conservation: Connects scholars, scientists, and volunteers from around the world to work for coral, animal, and habitat conservation. They pride themselves on a belief in citizen science and work for any amount of time commitment. 

>>Waves for Development: Works with surf voluntourism to help make surfing benefit the communities that it so often surrounds. Volunteers are not required to already know how to surf, but will definitely learn! 

>>Reserva Playa Tortuga: A diverse program that works with everything from habitat management, to water quality studies, to sea turtle conservation. Volunteers are expected to stay at least one week and will have fun learning a diverse set of skills and needs of the marine conservation world. 

These aren't all of the programs available to you, so be sure to check out our environmental volunteering page!