Marine Conservation Program

  Honduras

• Other Cities in Honduras: 
Utila

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 2009: 24 August; 21 September; 2010: January 11; February 8; March 8; April 5; May 3; May 31; June 28; July 26; August 23; September 20

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. You will work as part of a small team and could be building up basic data sets on the different marine habitats or directly assisting our resident scientists with their current projects. These include unique research that is aiming to achieve sustainable fisheries in Honduras; coral reef health appraisals; and mangrove and sea grass studies. All our boats carry the necessary equipment for monitoring resident and migrating populations of   whale sharks and dolphins should a sighting occur There are always dolphins around Utila but please note that the whale shark season is from March through May.

If not able to dive already, you will need to achieve Advanced Open Water standard either before you arrive in Utila or with one of the dive shops we recommend on the island. Your first week with UCME will give you science training especially designed to teach you the skills you'll require to collect important data sets.   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 but additional research weeks can be added to suit your requirements. There is a 4 week minimum in peak months (programmes running in June through August) and a 4 week maximum for the September 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. It now provides technical capacity for the Honduran Government on all aspects of marine research and is collaborating on a major international fisheries research project funded by the European Union .

Highlights: The UCME volunteer program provides divers with the opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems and to assist national and international researchers as they study the island's 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 programs 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 the week prior to their marine ecology programme starting.   No previous research or scientific experience is necessary. All participants must complete the PADI medical certificate and have medivac insurance. All instruction is in English so participants must be suffciently proficient.

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 6

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

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