Do MoreRaja Ampat Diving Project
Raja Ampat Diving Project
Traveller rating:
14 - 84 Nights from $1,369.00
Dive unexplored reefs and partake in marine conservation projects amongst the islands of the beautiful Raja Ampat archipelago.
Marine Biology Volunteer
Dedicating your time to become a marine biology volunteer is perhaps one of the most fascinating experiences you could ever have. By doing so, you have the unfathomable opportunity to witness a somewhat parallel universe that words simply cannot describe, which is life beneath the waves.
Oceans cover over 70% of Earth, but just 7% of them are protected. Many government schemes have safeguarded areas on land, but protected areas of the ocean are sparser and this needs to change. However, we need to understand marine composition and ecology to know the best conservation strategies to implement – that’s where you come in!
Composition and ecology is the identity of different organisms within a habitat (both animal and plant species) and their relations to their environment; these are the factors which reveal how an entire ecosystem functions. For example, phytoplankton act as the lungs of the ocean by removing CO2 and produce oxygen as a byproduct. The phytoplankton relies on the ocean as their home, and in turn, they help to maintain healthy waters. By having better knowledge of these factors, we can implement the most appropriate strategies to help preserve our oceans and their inhabitants.
On any of our marine biology volunteer programs, you will learn much about these aspects, and conduct research based around composition and ecology, as well as the identification of incredible species such as gliding manta rays and gentle whale sharks. These trips are perfect for marine biologists, students studying conservation, or simply if marine biology grabs your attention!
Whoever you are, you have the chance to be truly enriched with knowledge and lifelong memories. So, what are you waiting for? Become a marine biology volunteer today!
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Do More
14 - 84 Nights from $1,369.00
Perhentian Islands Marine Project
Perhentian Islands Marine Project
Traveller rating:
6 - 55 Nights from $869.00
Dive into the incredible waters of the Perhentian Islands and aid marine conservation by volunteering in Malaysia!
Mafia Island Whale Shark Conservation
Mafia Island Whale Shark Conservation
Traveller rating:
13 - 83 Nights from $1,119.00
Join this unique whale shark internship project on the stunning Mafia Island in Tanzania.
Mozambican Marine Conservation Project
Mozambican Marine Conservation Project
Traveller rating:
13 - 83 Nights from $2,749.00
Work towards integral marine conservation in one of the most marine-rich locations on Earth.
Belize Marine Education & Conservation Project
Belize Marine Education & Conservation Project
Traveller rating:
4 - 53 Nights from $1,369.00
Dive in paradise, help preserve the Belize Barrier Reef, and enjoy private island life!
Marine Wildlife At A Glance
ENDANGERED STATUS
Varies Across SpeciesNUMBER REMAINING IN THE WILD
Dependent On SpeciesENDEMIC REGION
Oceans All Around The WorldHow Endangered Are Marine Animals
Understanding the status of marine life is a challenging task as there are so many species which fall into this category. Although, there are some marine animals which are certainly struggling more than most.
Species such as whales, dolphins, manatees, dugongs, sea turtles, and sharks have populations which are decreasing at an utterly unsustainable rate. Additionally, one of the most important elements in the entirety of the world’s oceans, coral, is in very real danger of becoming extinct too, and this will completely change marine ecosystems as we know them.
It is estimated that a fifth of all the coral in the world has been lost in just 3 years. In history, changes such as these due to natural causes occur over centuries, however, the recent decline (which humans are mainly responsible for) is happening over a matter of decades.
Marine biology volunteer programs are essential in spreading awareness about the threats the ocean and its inhabitants are facing, whilst actively trying to make a change.
Threats Marine Wildlife Are Facing
There are some concerning factors posing major threats to our oceans and its inhabitants. Tragically they are due to human interference.
- Pollution – much human waste ends up in the sea. This can be fatal for some animals becoming entangled in plastic or trying to eat some other form of hazardous substance. In the past, authorities would use oceans as dumping grounds for chemical and industrial waste. After laws were implemented this stopped, but today, dredged materials are still dumped into the sea to support networks like coastal ports and harbours.
- Climate Change – coral bleaching is when the tiny organisms which give corals their vibrant colours leave their hosts, which kills both them, and the coral. As climate change causes ocean temperatures to rise, coral bleaching is occurring at a much more rapid rate – so much so, that scientists believe it could contribute to a global extinction event by 2050.
Fast Facts
- The oceans consume 99% of the living space on Earth!
- Blue whales can weigh up to nearly 200 tons – that’s the weight of 50 adult elephants! They are the largest animal ever known to inhabit the earth on both land and sea, and they have a heart the size of a small car.
- It is estimated that life in the sea began between 3.1 – 3.4 billion years ago. In fact, sea life is said to be the first on Earth, as, at the time of the emergence of species in the ocean, conditions on the planet’s surface were not favourable to support life.
- National Geographic claims that marine plants produce a massive 70% of the oxygen in the air (which, of course, humans could not survive without) as a byproduct of photosynthesis. The remaining oxygen comes from plant species on land. Therefore, it is even more worrying to consider that the health of the ocean is in serious decline.
Where you can go
Contact Info
UK OfficeThe Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
Sat 10am-4pm
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