Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation

The adventure begins in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where you will become a certified scuba diver by completing the popular 5 Day PADI Open Water Course (Advanced Courses or Nitrox available for participants already certified). Then volunteers embark upon the reef as certified divers and volunteer marine conservationists where they will join the ‘Eye on the Reef’ program and complete 8-10 underwater Rapid Monitoring surveys monitoring coral health. The information gathered provides managers and researchers of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) with up-to-date information on reef health status and trends, the distribution of protected and iconic species, and early warnings of environmental impacts.

Volunteers will also have the unique opportunity to spend 4 days with a reef expert on the Great Barrier Reef, to learn and experience firsthand, this endangered natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef.

Volunteers will undertake a minimum of 17 dives for the duration of the project.

Conditions Onsite

Volunteers will need to learn how do calculate percentages underwater, master their diving skills, identify different fish species, identify impacts on the coral reef and follow instructions underwater. Scuba diving is one of the most popular recreational water sports in the world and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Fantastic coral reefs, wondrous shipwrecks and unique and interesting marine life are the major attractions for people. But it’s important to remember that scuba diving poses unique challenges.