Marine Conservation Programme

  Honduras

Utila

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 2009: 12 January; 9 February; 9 March; 6 April; 1 and 29 June; 27 July; 24 August; 21 September;

Description: Dive spectacular coral reefs, encounter whale sharks and dolphins, kayak through mangrove lagoons and trek remote beaches, all whilst working side by side with marine biologists and conservation specialists conducting research to better understand and conserve threatened marine systems and the amazing biodiversity they support. You will work at the Utila Centre for Marine Ecology (UCME), a Honduran registered NGO founded in 2006 to bridge the gap between applied scientific research and community based conservation The Centre now combines cutting edge marine science with exciting volunteer programmes and inspiring educational courses.

As a volunteer at UCME you will participate in all its main research areas: Reef Fisheries; Coral Reef Ecology; Megafauna; and Island Ecology including mangrove, sea grass and coconuts. Each research area is headed by a programme leader, a biologist who oversees all aspects of the research programme. Within each area there are sub programmes that vary depending on season (e.g. spawning aggregations of grouper) or other factors such as weather (e.g. finding whale sharks in heavy rain) so the work is often varied but always stimulating. If not able to dive already you will be trained how to dive to internationally recognised standards and then given science training especially designed to teach you the skills youll require to collect important data sets. Youll take part in coral reef health appraisals, fisheries assessments, and mangrove studies, assisting biologists above and below the waves. When sightings occur you will complete surveys on whale sharks and dolphin populations. There are always dolphins around Utila but please note that the whale shark season is from March through May. All our volunteers also participate in a range of activities to raise awareness of UCME's aims within the local community so that islanders learn about the potential benefits.

The standard programmes are for 3, 4, or 8 weeks for those already PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent standard. A pre programme week can be arranged to bring you up to that standard if required and additional research weeks can be added to suit your requirements. A special 8 week Dive Master Combo package is available, combining DM certification with participation in the UCME volunteer programme.

UCME's goal is to develop as a focal point for the investigation of tropical marine biodiversity and since its inception has grown rapidly to build links and collaborative partnerships with many national and international universities, other non-governmental organisations and regional institutions. The heart of UCME's philosophy is that for conservation to succeed, results from research need to be directly applied to education and management initiatives.

Highlights: The UCME volunteer programme provides divers and non-divers alike with the opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems and to assist national and international researchers as they study the islands wealth of biodiversity, thereby directly contributing to UCMEs ongoing research aims. The range of research activities at any one time means that there is always something ongoing, whatever the weather.

UCME's volunteers return to their home countries proud that they have made a meaningful contribution to research that can be used to inform local and regional marine conservation and tourism policies and help ensure sustainable livelihoods for the islanders.

Above all, these programmes are an unforgettable experience that provide divers with a whole new perspective and offer a unique insight into the habits of majestic sea creatures.

Qualifications: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent is required but can be achieved by non divers in an additional, pre-programme, week. No previous research or scientific experience is necessary. All participants must complete the PADI medical certificate and have medivac insurance.

Cost in US$: Variable depending on duration

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: UCME's volunteers are typically those who are concerned about the condition of the marine environment and want to participate in a meaningful project where their contribution will assist researchers to provide essential data to policy makers. They are often experienced divers who want to get more from their diving and learn more about what they are seeing. UCME welcomes mature volunteers onto its programmes.

Age Range: minimum age 20. Maximum only subject to satisfactory medical and dive insurance

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Honduras Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of max 12

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Utila Centre for Marine Ecology's Mission Statement: To improve the welfare and economic growth of Utila and Honduras by supporting the management and sustainable use of marine biodiversity. Utila Center for Marine Ecology aims to conduct and support applied marine research using a combination of academic scientists and volunteer data collection and then to use this information in the creation of innovative community education programmes and to support effective conservation strategies.

Year Founded: 2006