Ocean Conservation and Research Project, South Africa
Ignite Your Passion for Ocean Conservation by Volunteering in South Africa
Eager to make a tangible impact on ocean sustainability? Step aboard our Ocean Conservation and Research Volunteer Project in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Volunteers and interns contribute to essential research on Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, and more, while actively engaging in community education programmes.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the world-renowned Garden Route, the project aims to change human-ocean interaction narratives, steering towards sustainable coexistence. Our long-term objective is nothing less than the establishment of a Marine National Park.
Why Volunteer?
Designed to offer a versatile experience, our project appeals to students, gap year travellers, career-switchers contemplating marine biology, and any passionate advocate for ocean conservation.
What Will Volunteers Do?
Your commitment runs Monday to Friday, 8.30AM to 4.30PM, encapsulating a range of activities:
- Ocean Eco-Tourism Monitoring: Record whale and dolphin sightings during responsible observation tours.
- Coastal Guardianship: Participate in beach and coastal clean-up campaigns.
- Shark-And-Seal Dynamics: Observe the interactions between Great White Sharks and seals, contributing to our long-term research efforts.
- Conservation Awareness: Lead or partake in conservation education initiatives along the coast and in local communities.
- Campaign Involvement: Engage in provincial and national awareness campaigns like National Environment Week and National Marine Week.
- Specialised Research: Activities may also include turtle rehabilitation, intertidal pool studies, river health monitoring, and even bird ringing.
Skill Building and Training
Volunteers gain skills in data collection, research methods, and conservation advocacy. Those staying longer have opportunities for advanced training like marine guiding courses. Short-term volunteers can opt for specialised courses such as First Aid for Stranded Marine Animals.
Long Term Marine Conservation Internships
Long term marine conservation interns (minimum 2 months maximum 10 months) are welcome to join to complete a project whether marine or cetacean based. Interns work closely with our skilled research team which is supervised by their scientific advisor, and will complete a designated project by the end of their stay. Each intern will have a specifically designed project to suit their desires and input required. Marine Conservation Interns would be expected to share their knowledge and experiences with the short term volunteers.
The Ripple Effect
Your contribution is a direct action against biodiversity loss and climate change. We are a community of volunteers, committed to creating a sustainable future for marine ecosystems.
“This programme is part of a volunteer community dedicated to marine conservation in South Africa, and like many conservation projects depends on the willingness of others to contribute their time and dedication to furthering the volunteer and conservation ethics that go hand in hand for a better future.” – Project Director
