Beach Clean Ups – Everywhere
Beach clean ups are the easiest way everyone can make a difference for the ocean. In each area of the country there are plenty of opportunities to join the community in cleaning the beaches and surfline. Whether you look online for groups or find them as part of various clubs, Conservation Volunteers is an organization that makes it easy to find beach clean- ups close you you. They offer beach monitoring and marine debris collection. All marine debris will be analysed and the data will be sent to Tangaroa Blue, a national marine debris database that identifies source polluters.
No prior experience is necessary; and friendly team leaders will teach you everything that you need to know on the day. Just bring your gloves and a snack and begin making a difference.
Sea Shepherd Australia
https://www.seashepherd.org.au/
Sea Shepherd, the notorious conservation pirates are constantly looking for passionate ocean defenders who aren’t afraid of hard work, no pay, long hours, dangerous conditions and extreme weather. While that may sound unappealing, this is an opportunity to visit places that people rarely see, meet like-minded individuals and make a profound difference on the front line. Many operations are multi-month and visit areas such as Europe, Antarctica and the Americas.
Sea Shepherd’s fleet is crewed by volunteers of all backgrounds from over two dozen countries and five continents. While the average age is 30, volunteers range in age from 19 to 61 years old, women and men. Women make up almost half of our ships’ crew, including captains, engineers and officers. While preference is given to technically-skilled volunteers for positions such as engineers, navigators, radio operators, cooks and medics, we also need deckhands to keep the ship running smoothly. Previous experience working on board a ship is not required.
Humpbacks and High-rises
https://www.humpbacksandhighrises.org/
HHR’s mission is to ensure present and future generations of the community have access to enjoy, appreciate and care for whales and dolphins. They aim for better protection of marine mammals by improving understanding about marine mammals through the research of whale & dolphin abundance, distribution, behaviour and movement patterns and through establishment of community involvement and outreach.
Reef Check Australia
https://www.reefcheckaustralia.org/
Reef Check Australia is an innovative environmental charity dedicated to providing ways for the community to better understand, appreciate and protect oceans and marine environments. Reef Check has been conducting citizen science activities in South East Queensland (SEQ) for over 10 years. The project was established in 2007 to monitor subtropical reef sites between the Gold Coast, Brisbane area and the Sunshine Coast.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au/get-involved/volunteering
Whether it be assisting Wildlife keepers in the Sanctuary, liaising with guests visiting the kangaroo paddocks or preparing blankets ready to house injured wildlife bought in from the public, apply today and be a part of our friendly team. With the recent bushfire crisis and ongoing drought, your help is more important than ever.
Western Australia Seabird Rescue
Sea-birds are often overlooked as species that need assistance, however, they are often susceptible to human expansion and crude oil spills. The Western Australia Seabird Rescue offer fantastic opportunities for rescue volunteers who are available on a semi-regular basis. Often required to attend rescues and courses in your local area, volunteers will learn from an existing volunteer to understand how to care for the birds, rehabilitate and release safely. Not only do the volunteers rescue birds, they will attempt to educate anglers who are responsible for entangling and injuring species such as pelicans during fishing.
Mainly based in the Perth and Albany area, WASR have rehabilitated and rescued more than 400 birds and 37 species last year. Penguins, Shearwaters, Black Swans and Gannets are some of the few birds at risk.
MangroveWatch
http://mangrovewatch.org.au
MangroveWatch is a non-profit organization that focuses on research, education and preserving the valuable mangrove ecosystems of Australia. Mangroves are home to a plethora of flora and fauna that are constantly at risk due to development and climate change. The urgent need to preserve and protect threatened tidal wetland ecosystems, especially threatened mangrove and saltmarsh habitats has resulted in the formation of the non-profit whose practices and framework help address both scientific and environmental management needs in the community.
Mangroves in the Northern Territory represent 42% of the countries mangrove area. Each area of the country has a monitoring program which targets estuarine and coastal systems where there are mangroves, saltmarsh and saltpans. Through a partnership of community volunteers, traditional owners, government and scientists a wider reach for the more effective application of sustainable management and environmental conservation is created.
For those interested in a making a difference, use the MangroveWatch website to volunteer.
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies – University of Tasmania
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic studies has created a volunteer program full of unique opportunities. A 2-day course on Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula will conduct research on sentinel species for the monitoring of Paralytic shellfish toxins. This is a study that effects the general population who are consuming mussels and are contracting Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
While this may sound complicated and scientifically intimidating, this is just one example of many opportunities that require no experience. After collection on the first day, the second will include processing of the mussels at the IMAS.