Marine Conservation - Research Assistant

Barefoot Conservation is working in partnership with the Raja Ampat local government, local Papuan Communities and stakeholders, to protect the coral reefs of Raja Ampat and the communities that rely on them. This partnership is bonded by a willingness to make a real difference, and the understanding that research, survey dives and Marine Protected Areas cannot work unless accompanied by education and the sustained alleviation of poverty. The Raja Ampat project is designed to work at a grass roots level, thus making a real difference to real people, and a difference that each volunteer can see and be a part of. Goals: 1) To conduct marine underwater surveys using the Reef Check methodology, collecting data, for the use in advising local government, local communities and other NGO partners, on the health of coral reefs and the marine life in Raja Ampats Marine Protected Areas (MPA's). 2) Produce a local Manta Ray Identification (ID) database, through underwater manta ray surveys. Sharing collected data with local government and NGO partners. 3) Monitor the number of Crown of Thorns Starfish (COT's) in the region, undertaking COTs survey/removal dives during large outbreaks. 4) Undertake educational programmes on environmental issues, sustainable fishing techniques (if necessary) and the economic benefits of MPA's. 5) Increase quality of life and alleviate poverty in local communities, through our community projects - Education, Waste Management, Health Clinics, Family Planning, Dental Hygiene and Renewable Energy. 6) Encourage entrepreneurial attitudes to deter from unsustainable destructive activities like shark finning or dynamite fishing.

Day consist of 2 survey dives and time spent on various community projects. At Barefoot Conservation we believe it is vital to work in the community, educating, improving equality of life and alleviating poverty, alongside producing a detailed habit map of the surrounding coral reef/marine life that the community rely so heavily on. Breakfast will be served at 7am and depending on the weather, and advice from our local dive guides/boat crew, you will either start your first survey dive of the day at 9am or visit the local community to assist on various community projects which the Community Officer will organise. At the end of each survey dive you will relay the data from your dive slates on to the data recording sheets, for later entry into our database. After lunch you will do the opposite of what you did in the morning, so if you worked on community projects in the morning, your undertake survey dives in the afternoon and vice versa. Dinner is served at 19:00 and, after a short de-brief session on the days activities, the evening is yours to relax, have a cold beer and talk about the amazing marine life you saw or the kind villagers you made friends with, while watching the sunset off Barefoot jetty. Some evenings may involve an advanced presentation or Indonesian language lessons for those interested and theory sessions for volunteers taking extra PADI scuba courses. Monday to Friday are reserved for survey dives and Community project work. Saturday is for fun dives where the Barefoot dive profiles are relaxed slightly, and dive computers can be used for multi-level divers, that are deeper and longer. Wednesday mornings the team goes to Waisai the capital of Raja Ampat to collect/drop off volunteers and pick up supplies. Volunteers can join this trip to use the internet and buy any extra luxury items in Waisai. Please be aware that the capital only has a population of 6000 and hence is still small, so it does not have hundreds of shops. Sunday is a complete NO dive day, this is for health & safety reasons and gives your body time to recover from the weeks diving. This gives you some valuable downtime when you can sunbath, play volleyball or football, go for a swim/snorkel, read a book, go for a walk around the island, watch a movie or visit the local village. Saturdays & Sundays may be used by the Scuba Instructor when teaching extra PADI Scuba courses, however only confined diving (no deeper than 5 meters) can be undertaken on the Sunday.

As you will be based on the remote island of Arborek in Raja Ampat, any free time activities are limited to the island and surrounding area. Saturdays are reserved for 3 fun dives, where volunteers have often not dived before,during the Mon-Fri science research dives. Sunday is a complete day off so volunteers often take part in some of the below activities: Snorkeling, Beach Volley Ball, Sports, Swimming, Reading, Walking around the island, Watching a movie, visit the local village, or relaxing in a hammock. On Wednesday's there can be the opportunity to visit the capital of Raja Ampat, Waisai City with a member of staff. Off site visits to see the Birds of Paradise, or visit a local resort can also be arranged from time to time.

Same Gender Beach Bungalows in a dorm room style (max 4 ppl per bungalow)

Our expedition staff are made up of both overseas volunteers and paid local community members. The staff are there for your health & safety and to help guide you in getting the best possible experience from your time with us. At Barefoot Conservation we feel it is very important we all work together as a team to achieve our goals, and that mutual respect is shown to each other at all time. No matter what your age or experience in life, everyone's opinions are valid and listened to by our dedicated staff members, so please never feel afraid to discuss any issues/concerns or opinions with our expedition staff.

Flights, Insurance, Visa, PADI Diving Certification fee, Marine Park Entrance Fee