Assist with marine conservation initiatives, like surveying corals for recovery after previous coral bleaching events and tropical storms
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Contribute to coral reef recovery research and other marine conservation initiatives on the small tropical island of Caqalai, Fiji. Learn about threats facing corals worldwide and specifically in Fiji. Assist with marine conservation initiatives, like surveying corals for recovery after previous coral bleaching events and tropical storms, assisting with beach or ocean floor plastic pollution clean ups, and environmental education with the local community.
This project gives volunteers around the world an opportunity to contribute to key marine conservation objectives identified by local Fijian organisations. International volunteers do not have to have previous experience, simply a keen interest in marine conservation, snorkeling, and diving.
Increasing Employability - Pre Departure Program Training:
Our programs are not only life-changing experiences but are also designed to help participants increase their employability. We have developed a curriculum to be completed prior to arrival in the country in order to ensure that more time is dedicated to program work once you commence your volunteer program.
Eight weeks prior to your start date, you will complete the following online courses in preparation for your in-country program:
- PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
- PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 - 5 hours)
- OPTIONAL: MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
In order to obtain a certificate for the Marine Conservation course which is endorsed by the University of Richmond and UNC Charlotte, you will need to complete quizzes & assignments and will be given 4 weeks post program to submit your work.
If you are looking to travel in less than 8 weeks from now, you will still complete the course however this will be done in country and all content will need to be downloaded before arrival.
Health & Hygiene:
The work we contribute to across the globe remains important and new measures allow our participants to continue to join our programs and continue impacting positively on their world and the communities we work with. Changes to our existing protocols have been made by our health and hygiene team to strengthen our health and hygiene protocols and ensure that international standard safeguards are in place to protect our participants, staff and host communities. Please inquire for more information on the protocols.
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.
Your time on project will be spent researching coral bleaching and contributing to efforts to restore and regrow coral nurseries.
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!