Climate Change & Coral Bleaching research

As a volunteer you will be doing at least 1 -2 dives or snorkels a day. The health of coral reefs ensure the sustainability of an important global food source, namely fish. Corals act like nurseries of the underwater kingdom, providing juvenile fish species with a sheltered environment to grow to their adult sizes. In coastal regions and island nations, like Fiji, fish is central to the local diet. In addition, the fishing industry supports the international economy and national markets, like that of island nations like Fiji. In traditional Fijian communities, the ocean is also a source of building materials. Much of the funds supporting economies of island nations and largely coastal regions, come from tourists looking to experience the vibrant underwater worlds of these areas first-hand. Hard corals specifically, also protect equatorial regions like Fiji from tropical storms.

Depending on the needs of the local partner organisations at the time, you may also take part in other important marine conservation projects like beach cleans or ocean floor clean ups and environmental education programs in local schools or with community groups. In this way, this program allows volunteers to directly address United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14, Life Below Water. 
Other threats to coral reefs include unsustainable fishing practices like overfishing, bottom trawling, and electrofishing. Plastic pollution is another threat. Research has shown that plastic on the reef increases the risk of diseases for corals and that corals often consume microplastics.

You will be based on Caqalai island, approximately 1 hour by boat from the Viti Levu Mainland and a further 45 minutes to the capital, Suva. You will be working on nearby islands and coastal reefs around the base. In order to travel independently around the area on your days off you must prebook water taxis with the staff; there is usually a water taxi each morning and afternoon to and from the mainland. Costs will vary based on destination, but would normally be between $60-150FJD return

You will have time off and be free to travel in the local area on the weekends, usually from around 14:00 Friday, coming back to base by 17:00 on Sunday. In this time you could do daytrips such as visiting the old colonial capital Levuka, on nearby Ovalau, or trekking up the mountains there. You can also go snorkelling or scuba diving, relax for a night or two in a nearby resort or go further afield on Viti Levu. Before and after your program there are countless attractions that can be reached after a day or two of travelling. You could visit the Dolphins at Moon Reef, take a ferry to Taveuni - 'the garden of Fiji' or explore the interior of Viti Levu - the possibilities are endless!