Program Overview
Week 1 | Coral Reef Ecology
The first week of our conservation program begins with an in-depth Introduction to Marine Ecology lecture, tailored to the unique ecosystems of the House Reef, Dalipuga. Each day combines targeted, task-oriented dives with engaging lectures covering key topics such as coral health, marine invertebrates, and tropical reef fish identification.
During this module, you’ll learn to identify a variety of coral species and explore the environmental drivers that influence reef health. This foundational understanding of coral reef biology forms the basis for the hands-on restoration work that follows in later modules.
Week 2 | Reef Monitoring
The second week focuses on the science of reef monitoring — essential for assessing the success of restoration efforts and understanding the dynamics of coral ecosystems. You’ll be introduced to several standardized survey methods, including Reef Check protocols, and gain practical experience monitoring for coral health, bleaching, and other key ecological indicators.
Throughout the week, you’ll conduct reef health surveys both at our active restoration sites and at comparison reefs in the surrounding area, giving you valuable insight into how coral ecosystems vary under different environmental conditions.
Week 3 | Coral Restoration
In the third module, you’ll dive into the heart of our work — coral restoration training. This comprehensive, week-long course covers every aspect of planning, implementing, and managing a restoration project, from site selection and coral propagation to maintenance and monitoring.
By the end of this module, you’ll have gained hands-on experience with coral nursery techniques, transplantation methods, and data collection — preparing you to contribute meaningfully to restoration projects anywhere in the world.
Weeks 1–3 | The Coral Restoration Internship
Together, the first three modules make up our Coral Restoration Internship, a focused, three-week program designed for individuals passionate about marine conservation. Whether you are a student, researcher, or early-career conservationist, this internship provides professional-level training in coral reef ecology and restoration techniques — equipping you with both scientific knowledge and practical field experience.
Optional Add-On — Week 4 | Marine Megafauna
Our popular Marine Megafauna Week begins on the fourth Saturday of each month and offers an exciting extension to the program. During this optional week, participants join guided dives focused on observing and surveying local fishes, sea turtles, and other large marine species that frequent the waters around Dalipuga Marine Protected Marine Park.
This week combines adventure and science, giving you the opportunity to contribute to ongoing monitoring projects while experiencing the thrill of diving alongside some of the ocean’s most iconic animals.
- Both entirely land and combination water-land internships are available
- Internships last 4 months and are full-time volunteer positions
- Interns gain a vast amount of experience through participation in our community engagement programs, daily operations, and fieldwork
- During their first semester, each intern will be mentored while they undertake a personal intern project
- Interns who wish to progress further have the chance to be considered for positions as Lead Interns during a second semester, and then Program Interns during a third semester