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Excellent 4.86rating (87)

Invasive Species Management

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Feel the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish and the satisfaction in helping remove this invasive species destroying the reefs of the Caribbean
  • Volunteer on a remote private Caribbean island, a real castaway island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef
  • Protect the reef ecosystem by directly participating in our ongoing marine conservation projects and learn all about coral reefs and marine life

Highlights

  • Feel the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish and the satisfaction in helping remove this invasive species destroying the reefs of the Caribbean
  • Volunteer on a remote private Caribbean island, a real castaway island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef
  • Protect the reef ecosystem by directly participating in our ongoing marine conservation projects and learn all about coral reefs and marine life
  • Learn to dive or further your dive qualifications; everyone contributes regardless of your experience
  • Be part of our dive team of invasive lionfish hunters and patrol the reefs of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, part of the famed Belize Barrier Reef

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Make a difference by removing lionfish, an invasive species decimating reef ecosystems. Learn to dive while culling lionfish.

    Lionfish:  A Tropical Invasion

    Our lionfish program focuses on removing this invasive species from the reef ecosystem. People often feel that “releasing” a fish or any other animal into the wild is a good thing, but not in the case of the lionfish! The initial source of the lionfish invasion can ...

    About the program

    Lionfish:  A Tropical Invasion

    Our lionfish program focuses on removing this invasive species from the reef ecosystem. People often feel that “releasing” a fish or any other animal into the wild is a good thing, but not in the case of the lionfish! The initial source of the lionfish invasion can be pinpointed to personal aquarium releases in Florida, USA back in 1985, probably by people whose lionfish were getting too big for the tank or eating the other fish. Lionfish are indigenous to the Pacific and Indian Oceans but not the Atlantic and Caribbean Oceans. In their natural habitat, they have a diet that is not a threat to the environment; and they have natural predators to keep their numbers in check. However, in the Atlantic and Caribbean Oceans they are an invasive predator, feeding on reef species that are key to healthy reef ecosystems. These native reef species have no evolutionary defense mechanism against the invasive lionfish.

    Lionfish: An Invasive Species

    • Spawn approximately 30,000 to 40,000 eggs every 3-5 days (over 2 million eggs each year)
    • Eats prey up to 1/2 their body length and can consume 20 native reef fish in only 30 minutes
    • A single lionfish can reduce native fish on a reef by 80% in just 5 weeks
    • Can live up to 30 years

    Since the invasive lionfish have no known predators and can produce up to 2 million eggs each year their populations are exploding unchecked. Moreover, as an invasive species, they’re feeding on key endemic species and outcompeting native populations.  This threatens the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems that rely on native reef fish to clean the reef of algae and parasites.  In addition, because lionfish feed on prey normally consumed by snappers, groupers, and other commercially important native species, their presence negatively affects the well-being of valuable commercial and recreational fisheries.  As their populations explode exponentially, they put additional stress on coral reefs already struggling from the effects of climate change, pollution, disease, overfishing, and other stressors.

    What will you be doing? 

    You will be capturing and removing as many lionfish as you can!!  As part of our scuba dive team of invasive lionfish hunters, you will patrol the reefs of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, part of the famed Belize Barrier Reef.  Here in southern Belize, we at ReefCI spotted our first lionfish in November 2009 but they were few and far between. Now we are spotting them on every reef and sometimes as many as 50-100 at one dive site. This is a dramatic increase and extremely worrying as we are the only volunteers regularly patrolling the second largest barrier reef in the world.  After capture, we dissect some lionfish and study their stomach contents for research purposes. Then we eat!  ReefCI volunteers often get lionfish on the dinner menu, cooked in garlic and black pepper or ceviche, they are extremely tasty.

    ReefCI is currently supplying local restaurants with the lionfish we remove. We are giving them lionfish to include on their menus to introduce lionfish as a food source and to increase awareness of this problem amongst restaurant customers!! Lionfish ceviche, lionfish fish cakes, and fried whole lionfish are all delicious to eat. ReefCI is also working with local Belizean women to help them make jewelry from the spines and fins. We give them the sun-dried fins and spines and then buy the jewellery from the women and make them available for purchase.

    We are extremely proud of our battle against the invasive and destructive lionfish. ReefCI is removing more lionfish and collecting more data on lionfish than any other conservation organization in the country of Belize. ReefCI staff and volunteers are on target to remove over 7,000 lionfish this year alone and dissect 1,585 for research purposes!

    Please join us in the fight to save the reef from this invasive species!

    PADI Dive Certification Courses Offered on the Island 🤿

    In order to participate in our program, one must be a certified scuba diver.  Not certified?  No worries, many of our volunteers come to the island to learn to dive.  Looking to further your dive credentials?  Many of our volunteers come to our island to further their diving certification status.  Regardless of your diving level, our island is a wonderful place to learn with calm, clear waters and little current.  Our volunteer trips are for both non-experienced and experienced divers - all levels of divers are welcomed.  

    We have many dive courses available to help you develop your scuba skills and marine conservation knowledge while on the island volunteering with us.  Below is the price our program charges for each PADI certification course and approximately how long it will take you to complete the certification course on the island.  Approximate time to complete the course is based on your aptitude, understanding, and your ability to complete the PADI requirements for the course.

    PADI Certification Courses Offered on the Island

    • Open Water Certification – $295 USD (3 days)*
    • Advanced Open Water Certification – $295 USD (3 days)*
    • Rescue Diver Certification – $350 USD (1 week)*
    • Divemaster Certification – $775 USD (4 week minimum stay)*

    PADI Specialty Certification Courses Offered on the Island  (One must be open water certified before taking any PADI specialty courses)

    PADI Specialties with a Marine Conservation Focus

    • Coral Reef Conservation – $185 USD (1 day)
    • Fish Identification – $185 USD (2 days)
    • Invasive Lionfish – $185 USD (2 days)
    • Shark Conservation – $185 USD (2 days)
    • Underwater Naturalist – $185 USD (2 days)

    PADI Specialties with a Diving Skills Focus

    •  Deep Diver – $185 USD (3 days)*
    • Emergency First Response – $185 USD (1 day)*
    • ReActivate Scuba Refresher Course – $125 USD (1 day)*
    • Underwater Navigator – $185 USD (3 days)*
    • Underwater Photographer – $250 USD (2 days)*

    *Please Note:  The PADI Open Water, Advanced, Rescue, Divemaster, Deep Diver, Emergency First Response, ReActivate Refresher, Underwater Navigator, and Underwater Photographer courses require the PADI eLearning prior to arrival.  All other courses do NOT require the PADI eLearning prior to arrival.  You must be a fully certified open water diver before taking any PADI specialty courses.




    Typical day

    What will I be doing?

    Reef Conservation International empowers you to take an active hands-on role in directly protecting and conserving our coral reefs and marine animals that we love via our marine conservation projects and environmental education and awareness program.  

    Each week/day will ...

    Typical day

    What will I be doing?

    Reef Conservation International empowers you to take an active hands-on role in directly protecting and conserving our coral reefs and marine animals that we love via our marine conservation projects and environmental education and awareness program.  

    Each week/day will differ, but you will be helping and participating in the following areas:

    • Invasive Species Control:  You can save coral reef ecosystems by spearfishing the invasive lionfish!  Lionfish are an invasive species that threaten native reef fishes and corals.  It’s fun and a win for the environment!   🪸
    • Sea Turtle Conservation:  Protect endangered sea turtles through nest preparation & monitoring, hatchling rescue & release, habitat restoration, data collection, and education. Baby sea turtles are sooo cute!  Sea turtle conservation activities are only available April thru November.
    • Marine Conservation Education:  Learn about coral reefs and marine animals and discover how we can protect our reefs and animals that call the ocean home through our educational presentations.   Presentations are very informative and for the nerd in all of us 🤓
    • Biodiversity Identification Dives:  Participate in our identification dives (reef fish, sea turtles, sharks, invertebrates, coral) to increase your knowledge and understanding of reef ecosystems.  Be more than just a scuba diver, embrace the awesomeness of mother nature’s diversity and get to know ocean creatures!  🐠
    • Beach Clean-ups:  Weekly beach and island trash/plastic removal on islands of the Belize Barrier Reef.  Feel good by doing good!   🚮
    • Whale Shark Diving:  Dive or snorkel with the largest fish in the ocean!  Please note, we do NOT guarantee whale shark sightings but if you are lucky enough to dive with one - it is magical!!  🐳

    Depending on the season and length of stay you might not take part in all of these activities above, but it is a good bet that you will experience most of them

    Is this trip for me?

    We attract a vast cross section of demographics from diverse ages, backgrounds, and nationalities.  We have singles, students, working professionals, families, couples, and retirees that come to our island!  People coming on this type of volunteer experience all have a shared passion for diving and ocean conservation, which makes for great group dynamics. We give the general diver a unique opportunity to learn about and help conserve the marine environment while having a fun volunteer experience. Our trips are for both experienced and non-experienced divers and those wishing to become certified divers. Everyone contributes regardless of their background or experience. 

    What Will I See Under the Sea?

    Our island is located on the second largest reef system in the world – the Belize Barrier Reef. Our reef is home to vibrant corals and countless species of colorful reef fish.  Dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, spotted eagle rays, barracudas, and groupers are very common too.  Several times a year we will spot giant manta rays as well as whale sharks – the largest fish in the world!  Whale sharks and manta rays are rare, but if you are lucky enough to dive with one - it is unforgettable!

    PADI Dive Certification Courses Offered on the Island

    In order to participate in our program, one must be a certified scuba diver.  Not certified?  No worries, many of our volunteers come to the island to learn to dive.  Looking to further your dive credentials?  Many of our volunteers come to our island to further their diving certification status.  Regardless of your diving level, our island is a wonderful place to learn with calm, clear waters and little current.  Our volunteer trips are for both non-experienced and experienced divers - all levels of divers are welcomed.  


    Free-time activities

    Our volunteers can choose how much they wish to get involved.  Some people want to do as much conservation diving and learning as possible, while others wish to combine the conservation dives with relaxation and fun dives.  All dives are voluntary so you can choose to relax in our hammocks with ...

    Free-time activities

    Our volunteers can choose how much they wish to get involved.  Some people want to do as much conservation diving and learning as possible, while others wish to combine the conservation dives with relaxation and fun dives.  All dives are voluntary so you can choose to relax in our hammocks with a good book, fish from the island, or do a bit of sea kayaking/stand up paddle boarding or immerse yourself in conservation volunteering. The choice is yours!  

    We have lots to offer on the island when not diving!

    • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
    • Kayaking
    • Snorkeling
    • Fishing from the island
    • Conservation help (dissections, data collection)
    • Volleyball
    • Badminton
    • Great food
    • Further your dive course training with us!
    • Lots of hammock time!!
    Depending how long your stay with us is, the weekends back on the mainland are yours to explore. Besides the incredible diving and conservation experience you will have with us Monday-Friday on our island, Belize has so much to explore on the mainland where you will be on the weekend! From ancient ruins, jungles and nature expeditions, spelunking, repelling, ziplining, cave and river tubing, to cultural tours; there is something for everyone.  You are guaranteed a trip of a lifetime in Belize!  

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    Our digital/online scuba diving waivers will be sent to you upon registration.

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Volunteering with ReefCI is a great way to get an insider’s view about the issues facing marine ecosystems and do your part to help the cause. Anyone can volunteer. Everyone can make a difference regardless of skill and ability. No experience is necessary, just a desire to be the change you wish to see in the world!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What is Included?

    • 5 days/4 nights on private island in the Caribbean off the coast of Belize
    • 3 meals daily during dive week
    • 12-13 dives per week
    • At least one night dive a week
    • Training for conservation work and participation in our conservation projects
    • Island boat transfers to and from island
    • Accommodations while on the island

    What is Not Included?

    • Flights to Placencia, Belize
    • Wetsuit, fins, booties, dive mask (must bring your own!!)
    • Dive gear rental fee (scuba regulator, BCD, tanks, weights): 45 USD per week 
    • Sapodilla Cayes Marine Park Fees: 35 USD per week
    • Optional alcohol and soda/pop while on the island (2-5 USD per drink) 
    • Optional PADI certification courses you would like to take while on the island

    Accommodation

    We are located on a beautiful, idyllic remote private island that is part of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve Park, located in southern Belize about an hour boat ride from the mainland. Our island, Tom Owens Caye, is a true ‘castaway’ coral caye island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef.  The island is about 1½ acres and has a large living area, great views and lots of hammock space. All of our volunteers upon arrival tell us that the photos do not do the island justice! It really is a perfect Caribbean paradise. 

    Accommodations are basic but clean and comfortable and can best be described as hostel-like.  If you are expecting or wishing a 5-star resort then our island is not for you.  The location of our island however is 5 stars as every room has incredible views of the Caribbean Sea!  Imagine waking up to the sound of lapping waves and a spectacular Belizean sunrise!  Our large main cabana building houses couples, families, groups, and singles. We also have individual single cabanas that surround the island.  Bathroom and shower facilities are shared by all.   We do not have air conditioning on the island as the strong trade winds provide a continuous cooling breeze on the island.  However, rooms can occasionally become stuffy so all rooms have fans if needed.  Our island manager allocates rooms upon arrival on Monday morning based on the number of singles, couples, and groups for the week.  Couples, groups, and families are always roomed together. 

    A generator is kept in its own room to reduce noise pollution. It is run all night on the island allowing guests to charge their laptops, iPhones, iPods and cameras etc. and use a fan if the sea breeze is not enough. This generator is turned on in the evening so during the day electricity is limited. 

    Food & Beverages

    ReefCI is known for our great food!!  We provide 3 meals a day plus an early morning snack and a mid-afternoon or late evening snack everyday while on the island.

    Sample Island Menu: 

    • Early Morning:  Fresh fruit, tea, coffee and biscuits. 
    • Breakfast:  Fried jacks, sausages, scrambled eggs and refried beans or banana pancakes with ham and eggs.
    • Lunch:  Island chicken salad or chicken and veggie quesadilla’s or fresh fish burritos.
    • Dinner:  Lionfish fingers with cilantro, homemade garlic tartar sauce served with fresh salad and coconut rice or chicken curry with okra and yellow ginger rice or bbq whole fish with garlic mash and mixed veggies, or garlic lobster with cilantro mash and garlic zucchini.
    • Dessert:  Coconut tart or pineapple up-side-down cake or chocolate rum cake with a rum butter sauce.

    Vegetarian, Vegan, Food Allergery?  All Dietary Needs Fully Catered For! 

    All dietary requirements are catered for (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, no seafood, dairy, tree nuts etc).   No worries - we have vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten free eaters, diabetics, and nut allergy volunteers that come to the island every year.  Our chef is quite accustomed to meeting the needs of our volunteers. Don't worry, we will make sure your dietary needs are met : )  However, it is always a good idea to bring special food and snacks that you like. 

    All meals and drinking water/juices are provided for you while you are at the island. There is an honesty book system on the island, which has a small selection of sodas, beers, and rum drinks available at an additional cost. 

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Belize. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Belize provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Belize you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Belize. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Our conservation dive trips are Monday thru Friday – we depart for our island at 9:30am on Monday from Placencia, Belize and return to the mainland (Placencia) on Friday anywhere from 10am-12pm depending on ocean navigability. Volunteers must schedule arrival and departure in and out of Placencia, Belize either on a Saturday or Sunday. 

    Weekend Accommodations

    All volunteers will need to book a hotel or hostel in Placencia upon their arrival and departure on a Saturday or Sunday. Those staying multiple weeks will need weekend accommodations on the mainland Friday night thru Sunday night in between their weeks with us on the island.  So with ReefCI you get the best of both worlds. An amazing marine conservation volunteering experience Monday thru Friday on a private Caribbean island on the Belize Barrier Reef and the weekends on the mainland exploring all Belize has to offer.  From ancient ruins, jungles and nature expeditions, spelunking, repelling, ziplining, cave and river tubing, to cultural tours; there is something for everyone on the weekends.  You are guaranteed a trip of a lifetime in Belize! 

    Flights to Placencia, Belize

    All volunteers will fly into Belize’s only international airport - Belize International Airport (BZE) which is located in Belize City.  From there, you will make a connection flight to Placencia, Belize via a small hopper plane.  The short hopper flights typically provide around 9 daily flights on the weekends to and from Belize International Airport and Placencia.  There are two airline companies that operate hopper flights in Belize. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air –google them to search flight times and prices.  All volunteers must schedule arrival and departure on a Saturday or Sunday.  We will depart for the island on Monday from Placencia, Belize at 9:30am and return on Friday to Placencia anywhere from 10am-12pm. 



    The program is fully booked for the following weeks:

    • Week of April 14

    • Week of May 12

    • Week of May 26

    • Week of June 2

    • Weeks of June 30 – August 1

    • Week of October 20

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 903€
    2 weeks 1,769€
    3 weeks 2,625€
    4 weeks 3,482€
    5 weeks 4,337€
    6 weeks 5,194€
    7 weeks 6,050€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 6,350€
    Average fees 848€/week

    Program fees

    848€ per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with ReefCI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.9
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    Location

    Americas > Central America > Belize > Placencia

    Meet your project coordinator

    Anthony
    87
    reviews
    4.86
    Excellent
    2006
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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