About the Barcelona Marine Conservation Volunteer Project
Join this volunteer programme to explore the Barcelona coastline, perfect for sea and environment lovers. Gain scuba and environmental protection experience, learn about marine ecosystem challenges, and help ensure the survival of this unique environment and its wildlife.
Volunteer Activities:
- Scuba Diving: Improve your diving skills and earn certifications.
- Marine Conservation: Participate in projects to restore marine ecosystems and reduce pollution.
Daily Tasks:
Seabed Cleanup: Clean up marine debris using diving equipment and nets- Data Logging: Log information on collected items and trash.
- Marine Life Rescue: Remove marine organisms from collected trash and return them to the sea.
- Scientific Research: Document and collect information on fauna in a monitored biodiverse area.
Barcelona’s close relationship with the sea offers a wide range of resources and activities but also poses a risk to the coastal seabed. As a marine conservation volunteer, you’ll use and improve your scuba diving skills while actively working to restore the natural state of the marine ecosystem of Catalonia and the wider Mediterranean Sea.
Volunteers join a non-profit diving club in various projects with social and environmental impact, supporting underwater conservation efforts and reducing ocean pollution.
The programme is open to everyone, regardless of diving experience. The project works with a local diving club, ensuring constant supervision by an experienced dive instructor. Volunteers staying for at least two weeks will complete internationally recognised SSI diving certifications, based on their current diving experience and length of stay.
Family Volunteering
We welcome families on this programme with children 12 years and above. And we are able to offer a private family room in the hostel too. We can also assist if you want to add on any tours/Spanish lessons or other family friendly packages to do in your free time too – please enquire if you are interested – info@workingabroad.com
Spain faces unique challenges when it comes to its marine life!
Here’s why our work here is so important:
Barcelona’s sanitation system faces severe blockages, with 75% caused by cosmetic and cleaning wipes. These wipes account for 60% of non- recyclable trash and contribute to massive “fatbergs” in the city’s sewers, harming the environment and marine ecosystems.
Spain is home to the largest number of marine fauna species in the EU, with 10,000 species and 886 identified marine habitats. However, waste accumulation prevents sea turtles from laying eggs, and over 200 species in Spain are currently endangered.
More than 60% of the waste in Mediterranean coastal waters is plastic, further endangering marine habitats and intensifying environmental challenges in Spain.
