Why it matters
As a GVI conservation volunteer or intern in Fiji, you will assist with research on the impact of climate change, overfishing, and plastic pollution on Fiji’s coastal habitats, coral reefs, and various marine species. You will work with our local partner organisations – including the Fiji locally managed marine area network – to find sustainable solutions to these critical issues. This is especially urgent work for the survival of Fiji’s coral reef systems, which have been badly affected by coral bleaching.
Marine conservation programs in Fiji
Marine environments around the world, including Fiji’s corals and fish, are negatively impacted by warming ocean temperatures caused by climate change, plastic and other types of pollution, tropical storms, and unsustainable fishing practices. The health of marine environments, such as Fiji’s coral reefs, are important because they provide the local population with nutrition as well as economic opportunity through fishing and tourism.
Collecting data on how marine life is dealing with these threats helps local governments like Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries make decisions about how to effectively manage marine resources. But, collecting this data can be a challenge due to limited personnel and equipment.
GVI marine conservation volunteers in Fiji assist the local government with collecting data on the health of coral and fish populations.
One of the methods used to collect this marine conservation data is called the manta tow. This involves one of our Fiji marine conservation volunteers donning snorkelling gear and being pulled slowly behind a boat. The volunteers assess the health of coral habitats and fish populations by identifying factors such as the vibrancy of the corals. They then record this information on a waterproof data sheet when the boat stops. This method allows large stretches of the reef to be monitored while only having access to limited resources.
You can join one of our general marine conservation volunteer programs or internships, or join a more specialised program in one of the following areas:
PADI divemaster qualifications in Fiji
Before working on any of our marine conservation volunteer programs or internships, all GVI marine conservation volunteers in Fiji earn our exclusive qualification: the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Specialty.
You can also earn a range of other PADI qualifications – from the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification to the PADI Divemaster certification.