In-water surveying being conducted within the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve over a five year period. Volunteers are asked to volunteer for 3 months (12 weeks) as a research assistant. The first research phase will commence on 12th January to the 6th April 2014 and we will be conducting 4 research phases per year (please see website for full dates).Located within the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve; a coral reef atoll about 40km offshore from Quintana Roo, Mexico, nearing the border of Belize.
Come and explore the beautiful reefs and over 200 ancient shipwrecks throughout the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve in Mexico! This is Littlefeet Environmental's very first grassroots conservation project and we are excited to start collecting data and working with locals to learn more about the marine turtle populations that surround the largest coral reef atoll in the Northern hemisphere!
We are in search of dedicated and passionate volunteers that are willing to commit themselves to a 12 week study project working with Green, Loggerhead and Hawksbill marine turtles.
Duties
Conduct in-water surveys including manta tow, seine netting and Scuba/snorkel transects collecting data of a previously unstudied population of marine turtles. Turtles will be tagged and photo identified and a small skin biopsy taken for DNA. Research assistants will also help to compile information into our database.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years.
To partake in the full range of methodologies including Scuba Surveys, it will be necessary to be qualified to PADI Rescue Diver or higher. Littlefeet Environmental offer discounted training to achieve these qualifications in association with XTC Dive Center in Xcalak, Mexico. However, if you choose not to partake in Scuba Surveys, you will still be able to participate in non-diving methodologies.
Benefits/Costs
12 week volunteer research assistant fees/costs:
£2,950.00 / $4,450.00 to help cover all food, accommodation, transfers, project running costs and expenditures.
*Please be advised that PADI qualifications and international flights NOT included in the overall price.
Additional Contact Information
Please email (courtney@littlefeet.org.uk) if you are interested in becoming a volunteer and research assistant. For more information about volunteer opportunities in Mexico, please visit our website at (www.littlefeet.org.uk).