Ecuador Marine Conservation

Machalilla National Park has several unique features that make it one of the most important marine environments in Ecuador. It is the only protected area of the coast of the country but lack of knowledge and resources has prevented the development of a sustainable management system designed to protect this unique marine environment. As a volunteer you will play a key role in researching and conserving many aspects of this fragile ecosystem, with the aim of assessing the condition of the most endangered species and helping to manage their populations. This project places a heavy emphasis on diving, and volunteers will spend a large portion of their time conducting underwater research and conservation techniques.

Project Age Limit
Minimum 17 years (with parental consent), maximum decided on potential participants’ health.

Project Requirements
No Spanish required but a basic knowledge would be an advantage.

Programme Information
Volunteers will spend most of their time in the field working with research scientists, ecologists and other volunteers (both English and Ecuadorian) each day. You will also have the responsibility of recording all collected information in the database.

Some of our current research and conservation projects include:

Students can be involved in more than one project depending on their interest and availability.

These projects are described in detail below.

1. Coral Reef mapping and Ecology
Machalilla National Park protects the areas with the highest abundance of corals on the coast of Ecuador. Despite the importance of these reefs, very little is known about them in Ecuador and corals are constantly threatened by human activities. This project works alongside the park authorities to initiate and maintain conservation projects to protect the reefs. There are currently two projects running. The objective of the coral mapping program is to collect data to create a map with the location and characteristics of the corals of Machalilla.

Volunteers will also work on a “buoy mooring” project to establish a marked zone around the coral reef, which will prevent boats sinking their anchors onto the corals.

Requirements: Open water diver certification (this can be obtained upon arrival – it takes 4 days and costs US$450)

Dates: January-November

2. Beach and underwater clean-up
Debris found on beaches, reefs and other marine environments jeopardise the lives of many species. All volunteers will help with a clean-up project that aims to prevent the harm of marine life from human waste, and also provide information about the major sources of pollution of the area. Volunteers will help with both beach and underwater clean up programmes.

Requirements: Open water diver (for underwater clean-up)

Dates: All year round

3. Shifting Ecuador’s Baselines
There is very little knowledge surrounding the history of Ecuador’s marine environment. This makes it very hard to ensure that the best modern management policies are employed, as it is almost impossible to know which area to steer resources into. This project, located along Ecuador’s coastline, draws on proven techniques to interview fishermen and help recreate the status of Ecuador’s marine history. You will work with fellow international volunteers as well as locals on this project.

Requirements: You will need to have at least a basic knowledge of the Spanish language, as well as a strong desire to learn.

Dates: All year round

4. Manta Ray
Since 2004, there has been an on-going project, which aims to develop a system of photo identification for the Giant Manta Rays that can be found migrating annually to La Plata Island. This year, we are hoping to produce images not only from Machalilla, but also from other areas of the country. From these we are able to make comparisons and create a catalogue of data that can be shared internationally.

You will be situated on Isla de la Plata, and the majority of your time will be spent out on boats and in the water. A professional diver and photographer will assist you on each of your dives.

Requirements: Advanced Open Water Diver Certification (which can be obtained whilst diving)

Dates: July – October

5. Shark Fishery Monitoring Programme
Shark populations are steadily decreasing all around the world. This is an important data collection project located in Puerto Lopez, which monitors shark landings in an artisan fishery port. This information then helps to build a population assessment of all the sharks and rays that are present off Ecuador’s coastline. You will visit fishing ports every day and learn how to identify sharks and record various types of data. As a volunteer you will be working alongside local students at the project.

Requirements: You must possess a strong desire to develop your Spanish language skills

Dates: All year round

6. Monitoring & Tagging of Sea Turtles
Machalilla National Park beaches are considered to be some of the last remaining nesting sites for sea turtles in Ecuador. Despite the fact that the yearly migration of sea turtles to the coastal area is relatively low in comparison to other areas, it is still very important to monitor and conserve their nests.

Nesting season begins at the end of January, and the project runs between January and November. You will live in beach camps and visit the beaches daily in order to identify and protect any new nests, and tag the nesting turtles (which will take place under supervision), After the nesting season ends, volunteers can get involved in some diving activities which aim to identify marks on the turtles and deploy new tags.

Requirements: Open Water Diver (needed only for the sea turtle underwater recognition)

Dates: January-November

7. Humpback Whales Photo Identification
Pictures of whale tails can be used for individual identification just like fingerprints for humans. During whale season, we offer to help other organisations with this task. Students can board tourist boats to take pictures of whale sightings. Due to the need to coordinate with other organisations, the availability of this project varies.

Dates: July-November (subject to availability)

8. Education of Fisherman’s Children
This is a new project that plans to encourage children to enter the Machalilla National Park Marine area. Despite the fact that the park is so close to where these children live, many have never visited. The hope is that if the children can develop a sense of belonging inside the park, they will begin to value its resources. As a volunteer you need to be creative and come up with innovative and exciting ways to educate the children. Games and costumes are a great way to get the children interested and have fun!

Requirements: At least a basic knowledge of Spanish and desire to work with children

Dates: All Year Round

9. Marine Film Exhibitions
Through films, we aim to show children visual images of the most amazing ocean creatures and marine environments. After each film exhibition, there is time set aside for students to chat to us and ask any questions they may have regarding marine conservation and its importance. As with the educational programme, games and costumes are used to demonstrate the issues to the children.

Requirements: A desire to work with children – there are several schools that require us to work in English

Dates: January-May; August-December

Location: Quito

10. Marine Films & Photography
Each year the Blue Planet Film Festival takes place in the major cities of the country. The exhibition is designed to showcase some of the most incredible marine films from all over the world. Films that have been made to demonstrate the resources of Ecuador are also shown to the public. If you are interested in the world of film, you have the chance to get involved in their production as well as with the organisation of the festival.

Requirements: You will need to have access to a camcorder, as well as a basic knowledge of how to edit software.

Dates: January-May

Diving
Scuba diving plays a major role in most of our volunteer opportunities. As our projects demonstrate, diving is not only useful for recreational and research purposes, but it is also considered an important educational tool. It is one of the best ways to continually assess the status of marine resources, as well as a valuable way to develop conservation techniques.

We encourage volunteers to develop their diving skills during their time in Ecuador, as well as providing more experienced divers with the chance to increase their qualification level. Our PADI qualified instructors are on hand to assist those new to diving, and will provide all the equipment needed to do so. There is the fantastic opportunity for volunteers to progress to a professional level themselves during their time at the project (additional costs apply).

Project Orientation
Volunteers will be given an orientation upon arrival. This will include detailed information about Ecuador and the surrounding area. Depending on your project option and length of volunteer time, you will also receive biological information and be taught field research techniques in conjunction with short lectures, in order to increase performance and knowledge of the work. The orientation will also cover all the relevant safety issues to ensure that you feel safe and secure.

Accommodation & Meals
You will be staying in comfortable volunteer accommodation for the duration of your stay with a maximum of four people in dorm style bedrooms. A local cook will provide you with three meals per day and although a cleaner will come once a week you will be required to keep your living area clean and tidy.

Project Support
You will have the full support and guidance of the on-site staff for the duration of your time in Ecuador. Qualified dive instructors will be on hand throughout. In addition we will provide you with our 24-hour emergency contact number in the UK should you need to use it.

For further information, or to secure your place on this programme, please call the Latin America Team today on 01892 516164, or email us at latinamerica@realgap.co.uk