Project Summary

Based on the Thai island of Koh Tao, this marine conservation project is perfect for divers or those wishing to learn to dive and contribute to sustainable development for the sea and local communities. Working on its own initiatives and also in association with other dive companies, the Thai Navy and the Marine Fisheries department much is being done to protect the underwater world. Building artificial reefs, culturing a giant clam nursery, seahorse population studies and undertaking regular monitoring activities in the waters surrounding the island, are some of the initiatives of this project. The project works with local schools, teaching some children how to dive responsible and even running a month long science fair. Education is essential in the local communities, and volunteers and interns help by spreading the word about the importance of marine conservation.

The success of this project to date has seen government environmental agencies use the data gathered to make policy decisions. This project includes diver SSI (Scuba Schools International) training from beginner advanced level with Conservation Diver certifications also included. Volunteer and join this professional island marine conservation project and make sustainable change in Thailand

Why choose this project?

The reef has been harmed by increases in tourism, through storms and strong tides, from predators and also inappropriate diving practices. Regular monitoring and cleaning on the reefs removes damaging debris and identifies changes in the numbers and health of the marine life to detect areas of concern, which can then be reacted to. An army of volunteers is needed to help the project and its partners in their efforts to preserve local underwater habitats. By participating on this marine conservation project not only will you add a lifelong skill, diving, to your CV/Resume but will gain a greater appreciation of the issues affecting our seas and marine wildlife.

Role of the volunteer

As a volunteer you will start every day by attending a lecture on your course of action for the day. Following this you will proceed to your diving duties; whilst diving you will be responsible for identifying species, monitoring the reefs, underwater clean-ups, and reef restoration. You will also receive diving instruction to help you to progress your diving certification during your placement. There are a range of projects that you may be able to help with and these include:

• growing new colonies from fragments, to help increase the coral population
• studying coral spawning or drupella snail numbers
• participating in seahorse research
• monitoring the presence of Crown Thorn Starfish, a species that feeds on coral
• caring for rescued turtles through feeding scheme, weighing and surveying their growing progress

Please tell a Kaya Advisor if you are interested in any of these projects in particular and they will be able to find out about the progress of the initiatives and needs of the project at the time of your placement.

Skills Required

Volunteers are accepted on this project with a range of skills and the most important is the ability to swim a minimum of 2 lengths of a 25-metre swimming pool. Volunteers must love water and be interested in sea life. Even a beginner can join and make a difference to marine conservation. All volunteers must have a moderate level of fitness as everyone will be required to carry tanks and equipment during their placement.

The course includes SSI certifications to be built on your current level of experience. For example, a beginner will be able to acquire Open Water, Advanced and Conservation Diver certifications. Depending on the length of your placement and skills levels you may be able to progress onto more advanced levels.

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