Marine Conservation (Maldives)

Here in the beautiful Maldives, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by an abundance of tropical marine life, including five species of sea turtle. However, due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching, the illegal pet trade and injury from ghost nets, sea turtles are an endangered species. At Atoll Marine Centre we rescue illegally kept and injured turtles, rehabilitate them, and release them back into the ocean where they belong. Working alongside our two Marine Biologists, Volunteers experience hand’s on practical turtle husbandry skills and make a real impact in our marine conservation efforts.

- Work closely with other ocean enthusiasts, both international and local, at our Atoll Marine Centre.
- Get involved in a variety of different projects including: sea turtle rehabilitation and headstart program, coral gardening, reef monitoring and community outreach.
- Hone practical conservation skills to enhance future career prospects.
- Live in the ‘real’ Maldives in a tight-knit, friendly community who will welcome you with open arms.
- It’s not all work and no play, weekly excursions include snorkeling, visiting uninhabited islands, camping, BBQs etc. and offer some much needed rest time.

Volunteers will work closely with our two resident marine biologists. Daily tasks are varied and may include:

- Hands on turtle husbandry experience including cleaning and feeding the rescued turtles
- Assist with administrating any medical care
- Conducting reef surveys on atoll islands
- Practical coral regeneration experience including monitoring coral frames and collecting data
- Organizing and assisting with community beach cleans and marine awareness sessions.

Volunteers will receive training in fish/coral species identification and gain first-hand practical experience in international marine conservation for a local run NGO. This programme is perfect for budding conservationists who want to gain practical skills and field experience, or for volunteers who simply love sea turtles and want to interact with them in a sustainable way.

Our marine programme and projects are extensive, and relies on volunteer support to help us achieve all our conservation aims. Simply put, without volunteers we would not be able to ensure the upkeep and continued operation of Atoll Marine Centre. Monitoring work is time consuming and extensive so we require all the help we can get in maintaining our coral frames and surveying local reefs.