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Updated 2nd February, 2012

The oceans are in trouble. Pollution, overfishing and climate change are all taking their toll on the wildlife and waters. It’s disheartening to see pictures of  beautiful marine mammals dying in fishing nets and hear of species becoming extinct. Closer to home, it’s terrible having our favourite beaches become dumping grounds for waste.

But it’s not all doom in the oceans. Dedicated individuals are giving their time and efforts to help the environment. You too can make a difference by taking part in ocean conservation.

There are many ways you can contribute to ocean conservation work. You don’t have to be an experienced scuba diver or a marine biologist. You can assist through funds (donations), work (either on the front line or from an office) or a combination. Alternatively, you can publicise worthwhile campaigns through your social networks – this is extremely useful nowadays with so many people networking.

There are many organisations working to further the goal of marine conservation and efforts can range from the simplest tasks such as cleaning a beach, to those requiring specialist knowledge and skills like scientific methods and surveying techniques.

Some examples of ocean conservation work

• Learn to dive and survey turtles; get an entry level scuba diving certification and start your diving life by taking part in an important turtle conservation project in the Caribbean

• Living in a research station and taking part in scientific data collection on a remote tropical island in the Pacific

• Helping a community with their reef restoration or cleanup after a devastating hurricane in southeast Asia

• Taking part in a coastal cleanup in your local community

Taking part in ocean conservation – what YOU can gain

Taking part in ocean conservation will show accomplishment and experience on your CV/resume. This can be very useful if:

• You need experience for university/college enrolment
• You are a new graduate looking for a job
• You are looking for work in the environmental/green sector
• You are looking to change career direction
• You are on an extended travel/holiday and want to show you were engaged in some vocational or training activities during your job gap

You can put to use your existing skills and knowledge to a good cause or learn new skills.

There are great benefits; you can enjoy the outdoors and the marine environment – maybe get in some scuba diving.

A conservation effort can be combined with a holiday. You will meet people from different backgrounds gathered for a common purpose and enjoy a holiday “doing good” rather than just sitting on a beach or mindless drinking.

Getting involved

What interests you? Is it being out at sea and working on the frontlines?  Or would you be happier on land working in an administrative or office-based role?

What do you feel strongly about? Is it a particular region or country?  Is it a particular aspect of marine life – animals, coral reef preservation etc?

Involvement starts from taking up membership of an organisation or reading up on a particular issue or geographical region. Alternatively, you can take a big jump and sign up for a project half a world away.

Whatever you decide, it’ll be rewarding and you’ll have a great time.

All the best

Lou

Further information

Marine Conservation Society (UK)

The Australian Marine Conservation Society

Ocean Conservancy (US)

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