Being a part of the Marine Conservation Volunteering Program in Madagascar, you will be getting involved in In water activities and dry activities.
In Water Activities
Ecological and Monitoring Dives
Volunteers will contribute to ecology and monitoring efforts by assisting with underwater surveys, data collection, and analysis. You will help to identify and record species, measure and track changes in population sizes, and record environmental parameters. By participating in these activities, you not only contribute to scientific research but also gain firsthand experience of marine conservation efforts and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
All surveys are carried out in a 40 to 50-minute dive with a member of staff leading the dive. There are currently three independent survey sites along the coast of Nosy Komba, each with a series of 20m line transects, which are all surveyed regularly.
Dive against Debris
This project empowers divers to take action against marine debris by collecting and reporting debris data from underwater clean-up dives. Your participation supports vital conservation efforts by contributing data that can be used by marine researchers and policymakers.
Coral Watch
This project is part of a global effort to monitor coral health and raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on coral reefs. By participating, you will gain hands-on experience collecting scientific data on coral bleaching using the Coral Health Chart. Your contributions will help increase public understanding of reef ecosystems and support coral conservation efforts.
Artificial Reef Cleaning
As a volunteer, you play an essential role in maintaining the health of artificial reefs by removing unwanted algae and sponges that can smother and damage coral. During this project, you will carefully clean the structures to ensure that the coral can continue to thrive and provide a healthy habitat for marine life.
Your work involves diving to the artificial reefs, where you'll use tools to gently scrub away algae and sponges, being mindful to avoid any damage to the coral itself. By keeping the reefs clear of these harmful organisms, you help ensure that the coral can grow and that the reefs remain vibrant and diverse.
Dry Activities
Marine volunteers participate in a whole range of ‘dry activities’, which are essential to the functioning of the marine project.
Data Entry and Analysis
With so much scientific survey work going on underwater, we have a lot of data and photos to input and analyse. All volunteers will assist with data entry on a rolling basis, and analysis is undertaken by all those that are willing and/or have prior experience with data handling.
Beach and Village Cleanup
In coastal communities of developing countries such as Madagascar, the lack of proper waste management facilities results in a large-scale overflow of litter and plastic into the oceans. Beach clean-ups and community awareness initiatives are essential to curbing the negative impact of plastic pollution on marine life. There is a significant tidal range around Nosy Komba, which provides a great opportunity for marine volunteers to sweep the beaches and rocks at low tide, collecting marine litter. In the past, volunteers have collected data on marine litter 'hotspots’ with varying proximity to local villages and rivers, to highlight the need for better waste management in the community. Since then, the marine team and the community team have worked with the local villages to set up village cleans, managed by the locals themselves. You will be taking part in such beach cleans and village cleans regularly.
Wildlife and Conservation
Community Development
