Volunteer with the MWSRP
Volunteer positions now available for May - July 2013 and October 2013 - February 2014!
Do you want to become a part of the whale shark research team, visit the Maldives and be a part of something special? Come and swim in the crystal clear, turquiose waters and sleep on a boat under the stars while contributing to the protection and conservation of the whale shark?
Some of the comments volunteers regularly make: 'Life Changing!' 'The best time I've ever had!' 'Simply Awesome!' 'This is the best job in the world!'
Take part in every aspect of the research; photo I.D, sexing, logging encounters using photo-identification software, producing presentations, even helping lazer measure the sharks. And, if community focussed projects are your thing, look no further! The MWSRP works with the local community on a daily basis, from schools to local councils to fishermen who have lived alongside whale sharks all their lives. During the May/June 2013 period we will be working towards the launch of the Maldives first annual whale shark festival. This outreach event will be the first of its kind in the Maldives so promises to be a unique challenge combined with whole lot of fun!
We are very lucky, for we are based not only in a tropical paradise, but in a globally significant site for whale sharks. Nobody really knows why the Maldives are so popular with the sharks, but we are provided with the perfect location to observe them in their natural environment all year round.
All your skills will be put to good use, and no two days are the same!
For a bit of an inside scoop, check out our Youtube video, 'A Day in the life of a volunteer', or check out what our volunteers have said about their experience.
To follow Jay's experience as a volunteer in January 2010, please visit: www.maldivesjay.wordpress.com
How does it work?
It’s all very simple! Once you have landed in the Maldives, we will collect you and transfer you down to our research location, in South Ari Marine Protect Area. We will talk you through everything you need to know, and then it’s time to get out onto the reef and get shark spotting! You will become part of the research team, and work, eat and sleep alongside them.
The working week - We aim to be on the water 4 days, 2 days are office based, and 1 day off (trust us, you'll need it!). Every day brings a new challenge and no day will be the same.
Cost
In order for the MWSRP to continue its vital research, we require all overseas volunteers (Maldivian volunteers click here) to make a financial contribution to cover their stay. We are a fully registered UK charity, which not only guarantees your donation is going to the right places, but also means you can fundraise the donation in part or in full! In the past our volunteers have been very inventive in their quest to get out to the Maldives, and fundraising has come in the forms of t-shirt selling, marathon running and charity-dinner-hosting!
The donations required to cover your living costs are as follows*:
May - July 2013
2 weeks = £1095
4 weeks = £1900
October 2013 - February 2014
2 Weeks = £1125
4 Weeks = £1950
For a schedule of Research Period start dates for 2013-2014 please click here.
We welcome enquiries for longer term volunteer positions and from independent researchers. These will be dependent on capacity and be dealt with on a case by case basis.
You can now utilise the MWSRP Just Giving page to raise the contribution required for your position. If you need to know more, head over to the fund raising page.
If you would like more information about volunteering with the MWSRP, click here for the volunteer information pack
If you have read the pack, and/or have specific questions relating to volunteering, or would like to apply for a volunteer position please contact us.
If you would like to help protect these fish but prefer to stay grounded we would still love to hear from you!
*Contribution covers infield accommodation, subsistence and MWSRP activities. Does not include international or domestic flights, or additional time in country. Internal return seaplane flights are chargeable at an additional £220 regardless of volunteering duration, however please note that due to fluctuating fuel surcharges the MWSRP reserves the right to adjust this at the time of enquiry.
