What is marine conservation?

Hey there, ocean enthusiast! Are you ready to dive into an unforgettable adventure while making a real difference? 

At GVI, we know just what you’re looking for – the chance to live and work in spectacular seaside and island destinations and protect our magnificent oceans and the incredible marine life within them. 

Our marine conservation volunteering programs offer you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the wonders of the deep blue, while actively contributing to scientific research, species protection, habitat preservation and sustainable practices. 

Together, we’ll roll up our sleeves and dive into conservation initiatives that safeguard marine habitats and promote a sustainable future. 

Marine conservation volunteering involves:

• scientific research
• species protection
• habitat preservation and restoration 
• sustainable practices
• community engagement
• environmental education.

Our marine conservation volunteering programs align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water.

What do marine conservation volunteers do?

As a marine conservation volunteer, you will play a pivotal role in various projects. 

From conducting research and collecting data to raising awareness within local communities, your efforts will directly contribute to the conservation of our oceans. 

This is how you can take action:

• join a marine conservation research team 
• monitor marine megafauna
• restore and rehabilitate coral reefs
• restore island coastal environments
• work on environmental education initiatives
• implement sustainable fishing practices
• prevent plastic pollution.

Why does marine conservation matter?

Marine conservation matters, because without healthy oceans, our planet cannot survive. Neither can we. The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet and is home to a rich diversity of species and ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in regulating the climate, providing us with food and producing oxygen.

Human-induced climate change, overfishing and pollution is threatening to deplete and destroy our oceans. These threats not only harm marine life, but also have far-reaching effects on our climate, food systems and the livelihoods of millions.

Warming temperatures, pollution and overfishing are creating several crises:

• Biodiversity and species loss: Marine megafauna, such as whales, dolphins and marine turtles are now under threat or near extinction. 
• Coral bleaching: Coral reefs contain 25% of all marine life, protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage, and regulate global climate by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. They are dying because of rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification.
• Overfishing: The depletion of global fish stocks not only threatens to unbalance entire ecosystems but also the food security and economic sustainability of the thousands of communities worldwide that rely on fishing for food and income.
• Plastic poison: Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic enter our oceans, physically harming marine life and creating long-term toxic effects that impact every animal and human that relies on the ocean

Every marine environment is affected, and more and more marine flora and fauna are at risk of extinction each year. This makes marine conservation an urgent task for all of us – but is also an opportunity to live and work in some of the world’s most extraordinary places, meet passionate like-minded people, and contribute something meaningful to the future of our oceans.