During your first week on the project, you focus on your diving course. By the second week, you’ll be in the water and can start doing research.
Let’s take a look at a few of the specific things you’ll do:
- Complete your PADI Open Water Diving qualification
- Conduct survey dives to do important research
- Help with beach clean-ups and get muddy planting mangroves
- Expand your horizons by experiencing Fiji and its culture
- High school students volunteering with sharks in Fiji will focus on the following areas:
Learn to dive and get a PADI Open Water qualification
The first part of the project will focus entirely on getting you comfortable in the water. Those who have no diving experience will do a PADI Open Water course. If you already have that qualification, you’ll level up to Advanced Open Water.
PADI diving certifications don’t have an expiration date, so this qualification will enable you to explore underwater worlds for many years to come! Once you’ve completed your PADI training, you’ll also take part in a Shark Conservation Diver Course.
Survey dives
You’ll be conducting survey dives in different areas of Beqa Lagoon which will include a shark dive under supervision of qualified Dive Masters. You’ll be collecting important data that will be part of our global shark research.
Shore-based activities
On the tamer side of things, you will help us do beach clean-ups. Local children will join you, making it a great opportunity to talk to them about ocean conservation and share why it’s important.
You will also help plant mangroves. Mangroves provide homes to many species of plants and animals. They also play a protective role for communities and vulnerable coastlines by preventing soil erosion and providing cover from extreme weather. Mangrove reforestation plays an important role in our overall conservation efforts in Fiji.
In 2024, high school volunteers planted approximately 2,500 mangrove propagules in the Projects Abroad nursery!
Experiencing Fiji and its culture
During your two week program, you will also have plenty of opportunities to socialise with your fellow volunteers, make new friends, and experience island life.
Staff members will be present to supervise and guide all these activities to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the programme.
