Thailand's Colorful Coral Reefs

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Rayong,  Trang

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: see website for details

Description: Research Mission
Snorkel or dive among Thailand's amazing coral reefs to conserve biodiversity.

Situation Report
Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, Thailand -- Thailand's coral reefs are some of the most magnificent and diverse ecosystems on Earth. Like many of the world's reef systems, Thailand's reefs are facing the pressures of overfishing and destructive fishing practices, as well as the threats posed by global warming and coral diseases. Reef Check, a non-profit organization, has been monitoring and surveying coral reefs around the world to provide baseline data to management organizations since 1996. Now, Dr. Georg Heiss and Kim Obermeyer, both of Reef Check, are joining forces with Earthwatch to do baseline assessments of Thailand's resplendent coral reefs and to set up a long-term monitoring program to determine the effectiveness of marine protected areas. With this information, government agencies and local communities can effectively participate in managing and conserving these beautiful reefs and the biodiversity they support. Reef Check also works with local communities to provide training in coral reef management and sustainability.

Meals and Accommodations
Meals and Accommodations Teams will share basic but comfortable beach bungalows that cater to adventure tourists at or near the different research locations. Bungalows usually have private bathrooms, with refreshingly cool showers (welcome in this hot climate) and conventional plumbing. Teams will eat together at the beach restaurant associated with the bungalows. The food is delicious and varied; you will enjoy typical Thai dishes of fish and seafood, beef, chicken, and vegetables with exotic tropical spices, as well as a daily treat of fresh mangos, papayas, and pineapples.

Highlights: On the Expedition
In pairs, you will snorkel or scuba dive underwater transects along coral reefs, equipped with an underwater slate, and surprise yourself with how quickly you learn to tell a butterflyfish from a bumphead parrotfish and a sponge from a soft coral. Using the same survey sheets that Reef Check uses around the world, you will record the percent and kind of coral cover on the reef, as well as the numbers of indicator species of fish and invertebrates (giant clams, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers) you see. On your daily transects, you may bump into dungongs, sea turtles, or gentle whale sharks. You will also help input field data and care for the team's equipment daily. On your day off, visit local Buddhist temples or trek on foot or by elephant into the rainforest to visit a waterfall.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 3,046

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 4 - 12

Scholarships are Available. Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971