There’s no such thing as a truly “typical” day on our Marine Professional Development Program and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.

Participants rotate through a series of key project areas, because we believe that every element of ocean conservation, from data collection to community engagement, is equally important. You’ll experience the full spectrum of our work, contributing to meaningful research that feeds into peer-reviewed publications and shapes the long-term protection of this coastline.

The program begins with a week of intensive training. During this time, you’ll receive theoretical instruction and hands-on practical workshops led by experienced, qualified marine biologists. From species identification and data collection protocols to learning how to conduct transects, analyse your findings and applying this to holistic conservation efforts, the first week equips you with the skills needed to hit the ground running in the field.

Following the training phase, you’ll rotate between five core conservation areas:

1. Sustainable Fisheries Monitoring

You’ll join our data collection team at fisheries, identifying and measuring catches, engaging with local fishers, and helping log catch per unit effort (CPUE) data. This information directly supports efforts to create a locally-managed marine protected area and shape sustainable fishing policy.

2. Megafauna Monitoring

Get involved in land-based, boat-based, and even aerial surveys to record sightings of marine megafauna like humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and sharks. These surveys contribute to species abundance assessments, helping us track critical species that form part of the ecosystem’s health.

3. Coral Reef Biodiversity and Health Surveys

For those who are dive-qualified, this involves underwater coral and fish ID surveys, collecting data that feeds into our coral health assessments. You’ll learn reef monitoring protocols and how to record data underwater. If you’re not yet qualified, we can help arrange a PADI course locally before your fieldwork begins.

4. Ocean Trash Research and Marine Debris Management

Join the team for coastal cleanups and trash transects, where you’ll log debris types and quantities and contribute to our long-term dataset on pollution in the bay. You’ll also assist with innovative upcycling designed to shift behaviour at the community level.

5. Community Outreach: Ocean Literacy & Swimming Access

You'll support our local Ocean Literacy programs by assisting our Community Outreach Manager with marine education classes in schools or contributing to our free swimming lessons – a vital part of our work to increase ocean access and safety in the region. You may help deliver interactive lessons or support community workshops alongside our local educators.

Your daily schedule will depend on which project you’re supporting that day. Some activities take place early in the morning (e.g. fisheries data collection), while others, like reef surveys or school outreach, may happen later in the day. You’ll typically conduct the fieldwork in the mornings and afternoons, logging the data late afternoon on the same day. Evenings may involve data entry, group discussions, or optional talks and workshops delivered by our team.

Throughout the program, you’ll be working alongside qualified and experienced marine biologists and conservationists who will provide supervision, mentorship, and feedback. You’ll also become part of a passionate, international community of like-minded ocean advocates – living, learning, and working together in a beautiful coastal region rich in biodiversity.

This is not a traditional volunteering experience. It’s an intensive, field-based training expedition designed to prepare you for a career in marine conservation while making a tangible impact.