Become A Volunteer Reef Doctor

ReefDoctor is a small not-for-profit organization completing marine research, implementing marine management principles, community education and social development work with the local fishing communities of the Bay of Ranobe reef part of the 4th most important coral reef system in the world, the coral reef system of SW Madagascar.

ReefDoctor has opportunities for gap year students/post graduates and general enthusiastic people to support the project through our Volunteer ReefDoctor Program which is open to 4-8 people aged 18+, for 4, 6, 8 and12 week expeditions throughout the year.

Volunteers receive 1-2 weeks training in marine species identification, underwater survey techniques, marine biology principles, marine management and conservation principles and local community history and dynamics.

Volunteer ReefDoctors then become an integral part of our marine research and management projects undertaking snorkel and scuba based reef surveys, placing experiments in the lagoon (habitat restoration, coral spawning etc.), helping to survey and implement alternative artificial fishing habitats, Marine protected areas, fishermens daily catch, and mapping coral reef areas.

Other marine management work volunteers could participate in includes surveying of sea-grasses, sedimentation rates, studies of local shark and turtle fisheries, mangrove restoration studies and socio-economic surveys on the communities reliance on the reefs and associated reef organisms.

Our unique program however also allows volunteer ReefDoctors to be able to concentrate more on a particular aspect of our work not only the marine research and management but also the community education and social development side.

Community education work involves helping to raise awareness in the local communities on coral reef health issues, destructive fishing techniques and management issues. Help teach marine ecology, conservation practices and English to the local school children and children in our ReefDoctor Kids club.

Social development involves working with the womens association on hygiene, family planning, and alternative businesses e.g. forest honey, embroidery, local vegetable gardens, solar ovens etc.

Ultimately our goal is to involve volunteers in as much of our work as possible gaining an incredible experience in a country relatively untouched and seen by the west.
Become a volunteer ReefDoctor and take part in a unique opportunity to experience Madagascar, its people and culture, while contributing to marine conservation and sustainable community development.