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This fantastic marine research project is located on the idyllic island of Utila, which sits on top of the second largest barrier reef system in the world. With hundreds of species of exotic fish, spectacular coral reefs and frequent dolphin and whale shark sightings, it’s an aquatic paradise! During your time on this project you will work side by side with our team of professional marine ecologists and scientists. You will conduct underwater reef surveys, dolphin and whale shark population studies and much more to help scientists better understand and conserve this unique and fascinating environment and the creatures it supports.
The Volunteer Programme
This project gives you the truly unique opportunity to take part in a huge range of underwater research with our field scientists specialising in mega fauna and marine ecology. Current investigative projects include whale shark and dolphin surveys, coral disease surveys and reef fish surveys to name but a few.
During the programme, volunteers will become involved in some or all of the activities detailed below.
Whale-Shark and Dolphin Survey
The research boat generally goes out in the mornings for around 4 hours looking for dolphin and whale shark activity. If they are found, volunteers will then take part in data collection activities, in-water photography and assist in the collection of environmental data. Each research trip is overseen and co-ordinated by field scientists or visiting researchers.
Following the field trip, data must be uploaded onto the research station computers, images analysed and the database updated.
Dive Research
For dive research there are normally two dives in the morning or two dives in the afternoon or one and one. Volunteers will dive in teams co-ordinated and supervised by our experienced field staff to collect relevant information. Research activities could include:
Coral Disease Surveys
Volunteers will help assess the extent and spread of coral disease and other health problems of hard corals at selected sites around the island. In the summer, this includes monitoring for coral bleaching events.
Juvenile Corals and reproduction
Volunteers will become involved in ongoing work investigating the survival and fate of juvenile corals and the settlement success of larvae. Volunteers will also assist in dive research, colleting data on the size and location of baby corals and the factors influencing their survival. If you are there at the right time of year you may also witness the incredible mass spawning events.
Fish Surveys
Volunteers will conduct dive surveys of the population of commercially and ecologically important fish species around the island, assessing number, location and size of fish such as groupers, snappers and parrotfish. Additional work such as monitoring damselfish behaviour or specifically recording fish behaviour may also be conducted. At the right time of year volunteers may also be fortunate enough to participate in work monitoring fish aggregation events where thousands of fish congregate to reproduce.
Lobster and Conch Survey
Using transects to count and measure conch and lobster, in order to assess populations as part of ongoing investigations into these commercially important and ecologically essential creatures.
Please note: The exact type of dive fieldwork will vary depending on the needs of the centre at the time but there will always be research that needs conducting and data that needs collecting. Additional dive research projects may also occur if volunteers assist visiting scientists. This is often an exciting and educational experience for volunteers who can gain a real understanding of academic marine biology.
Terrestrial Work
At least once a week volunteers will be conducting surveys in the mangroves or looking for the prevalence of coconut palm disease around the island. This work may also include taking and analysing water samples and conducting other land based activities. Mangrove work is often done via kayak or on snorkel and the coconut work involves extensive walking around the island.
Community Work
The project also runs a very active community education and awareness programme which volunteers are encouraged to take part in and assist with. This may include snorkelling with local school kids, organising beach clean up days, painting the local school, distributing leaflets etc. Whilst these are ad hoc events that are organised by the project staff as and when required, volunteers are expected to participate when they occur.
Office Duty
The centre has a visitor centre that is open every day for drop in enquiries. It also collects a lot of data, which needs to be stored in databases. Volunteers will be required to assist staff with office and clerical duties as well as manning the visitor centre and helping with general maintenance tasks.
Additional Responsibilities
Volunteers are required to clean and tidy the communal house they live in. Whilst food is provided, the cooking and clearing up is left to you. A house rota will divide up the housekeeping tasks between the resident volunteers.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 20 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health
Project Support
There will always be an English-speaking project manager available for advice and support and you will be able to contact them 24 hours a day. The project manager will accompany you during your work at the project. There is a comprehensive feedback and evaluation process in place which ensures we can develop and improve our service to you if needs be.
You will also have access to a 24 hour emergency number so you will always be able to reach a member of our UK team should you need to.
Project Orientation
Upon arrival you will be shown to your accommodation and in the evening you will meet your fellow volunteers and have a full orientation about the project. You will listen to a detailed introductory talk from marine biologists who will explain their work to you as well as their role in conserving the marine life of Honduras. Our team will also advise you on local customs and etiquette as well as offering health and welfare advice.
The following morning there will be a further briefing where your itinerary for the weeks that follow will be presented to you. After this you will start your training.
Accommodation and Meals
You will live with the other volunteers in a large shared house in Utila town close to the project centre. There are 4 large rooms, a big kitchen and a lovely garden. Rooms are normally twin share and the house has a communal living area.
There are 2 shared bathrooms that have western style toilets and hot water. There is an external laundry service available at a small surcharge. All of your food is included at the project ready for you to prepare and cook as you wish. Local ingredients usually comprise rice, beans, corn, meat, fish, vegetables and fruit – this variety is, of course, seasonal!
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