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Marine Conservation & Community |
The Marine Conservation & Community project is based in the town of Plettenberg Bay, which is located on the world famous Garden Route. Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth, you will be transferred here passing Jeffreys Bay, famous for the Billabong Surfing Competition and Bloukrans Bridge where the highest bungi jumping in the world takes place. The journey is about three hours and worth every minute!
Plettenberg Bay is home to some of the world’s most fascinating marine species, including Southern Right whales, Humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Killer Whales and Great White Sharks.
The team's primary role is to focus on the practical application of conservation studies and research in this coastal area. The main objective of marine project is to design a unique, practical and usable model for the sustainable utilization of our marine, coastal & estuarine environment by combining conservation, community development, business, science and tourism.
This is an outstanding opportunity to learn and experience how to conserve and sustain eco marine life.
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The marine and conservation project will educate volunteers about the importance of conservation and how to manage the marine and its natural environment. The project covers many different areas of conservation and marine management, including:
Rescue and rehabilitation of marine species
Patrol boat trips to collect data, monitor the bay and take marine photos of dolphins, sharks and whales
Supervised collection of touch pool and aquarium species for the eductaion centre
Organising co-ordinated provincial marine and coastal awareness campaigns
Participating in commercial marine-eco tourism activities which include whale and dolphin watching tours, sea kayaking, township tours, river ferry cruises
Monitoring and cleaning of beaches and coastal regions
Report presentations on topics relative to the project
Conducting research surveys
Angling surveys within the surrounding estuary and coastline
Sampling, tagging, monitoring and dissection of fish species Involvement in community development programmes
Participation in a broad range of educational initiatives involving the local community, including educating children on marine conservation
The aims of the volunteer programme are:
To introduce volunteers to Plettenberg Bay’s marine and coastal environment
To show conservation volunteers how the Bay and its resources are currently being managed
To gain an understanding of the cultural diversity in the coastal community
To introduce conservation volunteers to Marine Protected Area (MPA) management perspectives
The considerations and practicalities in beach management and public safety
To have an unforgettable experience of ‘learning by doing’ in one of the most beautiful outdoor classrooms in South Africa
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Volunteers will share a three-bedroom house with 2 bathrooms, a big comfortable lounge area, dining room and kitchen. Meals are prepared by the volunteers in the fully equipped kitchen. There are email and laundry facilities available, with shops conveniently nearby.
The ocean and beach can be viewed from the front porch of the house and if you are lucky you can even spot a whale breaching! The ORCA offices and the main swimming beach are about 15 – 20 minutes walking distance away.
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Volunteers can join every Monday, subject to availability, and the placement runs all year round.
**Four week programme also available**
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| Project Fees |
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| Combination of Projects |
Yes you'll be able to combine this with many other Shumba conservation projects
Please see Combo Page for exciting ideas! |
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| What's Included |
1) Accommodation, Meals & Airport Transfers
2) Pre-departure Information and Support
3) Assistance with Flights & Travel Insurance
4) Project Booklet
5) Onsite Training and Guidance
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| Accommodation |
House - Shared room |
| Food |
Yes, meals provided (Self Catering) |
| Transfer to/from airport |
Yes, in host country |
| Not Included |
Flights & travel insurance |
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