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Dive into the wonders of the underwater world... and help conserve them.
Marine conservation is a hot topic. The Marine Conservation Society in the UK is pushing for a bill to protect our marine wildlife and habitats and ensure the sustainable management of our seas and resources*.
As a nation, we have already begun to appreciate the extent to which human activities worldwide are altering the Earth's climate. Perhaps we are also beginning to grasp the fact that our oceans, too, are in dire straits.
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, and they provide food, work and recreation for billions of people. They are also part of our global economy: Ships carry around 90% of all goods transported internationally.
Recent reports have detailed the degraded state of the oceans and the serious threats now posed to marine ecosystems. One report released in February, titled "In Dead Water," from the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), outlines the impacts of pollution, overexploitation and climate change on seas and oceans.
Marine conservation volunteer projects and expeditions are a great way of helping communities worldwide with the preservation of their precious ecosystems and wildlife.
Real Gap, the UK's leading gap travel provider, has put together a “Top Ten” of marine and dive-related programmes. Some are conservation programmes, others are designed simply to enjoy the marine world and all that it offers responsibly:
- Coastal Dolphin Research Project, Peru
Every year in Peru 3,000 dolphins and porpoises are illegally killed for human consumption. This project aims to protect marine wildlife and ecosystems and offers you a unique opportunity to view dolphins and other wildlife close up.
- Whale Shark & Marine Conservation, Mozambique
Get involved in the conservation of the world's most peaceful creatures in addition to coral reef observation. Field data is collected via beach walks, boat surveys, swims and dives.
- Marine Conservation, Honduras
Based on the Honduran Caribbean Island of Utila, you'll work with marine ecologists and scientists conducting research into specific areas of marine life.
- Turtle & Dive, Malaysia
Ideal for dive enthusiasts and anyone who wants to learn. Help protect the endangered green turtle whilst taking or upgrading your PADI on the beautiful Perhentian Islands.
- Marine Conservation, Ecuador
With a heavy emphasis on diving, you'll conduct underwater research and conservation. The project aims to maintain the marine ecosystem, researching and assessing endangered species.
- White Shark Conservation, South Africa
The great white shark is a rather misunderstood, majestic creature that has been on South Africa's protected species list since 1991. You'll be documenting activity around specific shark sites from the boat or the underwater cage.
- Turtle Conservation, Costa Rica
Sea turtle egg poaching was a major problem in Costa Rica until volunteer projects like this was set up to help protect the areas where the turtles lay eggs. Night beach patrols, tagging rear flippers, assisting baby turtles to the ocean and beach cleaning are some of the activities you will be involved in.
- Scuba Diving Videography Programme, Thailand**
This is a diving programme where you can enjoy spending time in the ocean and develop some useful media skills along the way. Being trained as an underwater cameraman, you travel with first-time divers to record their experience, before editing, producing and exhibiting the movie! A programme for the budding Attenborough!
- Mozambique Sports Expedition**
Within four weeks, qualify for your PADI Open Water Course in the Bazaruto Archipelago, kayak on the Guvuro River then relax on a Dhow boat expedition before spending your final week in community and football-coaching work.
- Dive, Culture & Conservation, Fiji**
Working with an experienced Marine Biologist, volunteers will help to support the existing MPA (Marine Protected Area) around one of the main islands in Fiji. Become a PADI qualified scuba diver whilst living in a traditional Fijian village. The programme, in conjunction with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Association share data found in the marine protected area.
**Marine-based Expeditions give you the opportunity to combine meaningful travel with the relaxed element of responsible marine activities.
For more information on the programmes run by Real Gap, please visit www.realgap.co.uk or call us on 01892 516164.
*source - www.mcsuk.org
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