Marine Ecology Courses
Conservation volunteer
About the Conservation volunteer program
In our marine conservation program, you will first acquire the skills needed to assist in conservation projects that are ongoing at the Banda Islands and will then assist yourself. Each program phase takes two weeks that will mainly be spent in our base Nurasia on Banda Naira. If ocean conditions are good you will also get the chance to visit or stay at the education center on Hatta Island. You can expect to dive and snorkel every day while getting to see different sites around the Banda Islands. We will cater for accommodation, most meals and all activities (see what is included below). Activities are 6 days per week (Sundays are off). At the moment, we have the following conservation projects that you will contribute to:
1) In the Bioluminescence project we observe and count flashlight fishes (Photoblepharon palpebratum & Anomalops katopteron) at night and create a map of their habitats around the Banda Islands. Flashlight fishes are small planktivorous fish with glowing patches underneath their eyes. These contain bio-luminescent bacteria whose light is used to attract prey and conspecifics. At night you will see them as moving light balls from the surface or as swimming dots of light while snorkeling or diving. Seeing these rare animals in the wild is an experience that will burn itself into your memory. The project is run by the Sekolah Tinggi Perikanan Hatta-Syahrir Banda Naira.
2) The Coral Competitor project takes a closer look at a specific sea squirt species (Didemnum molle). We try to understand whether these little ascidians could become a serious threat to coral reefs if human impacts and rising temperatures are progressing at this pace. Leading a very similar lifestyle as corals whereas growing and spreading much faster, these sea squirts could compete with corals in some reefs. We want to understand which factors could contribute to the success of D. molle and start by assessing their abundance at sites of different degrees of human impact. For this, a lot of underwater time is needed which makes this project an ideal combination of diving and classic marine ecology research. This project is by the Department of Marine Science and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Sekolah Tinggi Perikanan Hatta-Syahrir and Yayasan Cahaya Samudera Indonesia.
3) Coral Spawning has been well studied in several parts of the world, especially the great Barrier reef. In Other areas, such as the Banda Islands, there is still a lot to discover. Understanding patterns of distribution of coral larvae is a crucial aspect for effectively recommending on coral reef management. With the Lava Flow at Gunung Api, Banda, there is an extraordinary hard coral reef that probably substantially contributes to the provision of coral larvae to other sites. Observing corals spawning at night is something you will never forget. This project is the project of the Indonesian student Andika at Bogor Agricultural University.
Please contact us for more information and for info on starting dates.
Duration: 2 - 8 weeks
Price for 2 weeks: IDR 13,200,000 with own dive equipment/ IDR 14,800,000 including rental equipment
Price for consecutive weeks: IDR 5,750,000 with own equipment/ IDR 6,600,000 including rental equipment
Tropical Marine Ecology Course
About the tropical marine ecology course
This course teaches you all aspects needed to understand the functions of and interactions in tropical marine ecosystems. The focus is put on coral reefs. Most days will begin with theory sessions led by one of our marine ecologists and will have a practical session (mostly diving) in the afternoon during which you get to see and apply what you have learned. The course is suitable for biology, marine science and fisheries students, but also for those coming from completely different fields - as long as there is a strong interest in marine biology. Subjects covered during the course are: basic oceanography, plankton, nekton, tropical marine ecosystems, interactions in coral reefs, threats to coral reefs, ocean litter. Discount is offered to students inquiring in groups.
Please contact us for more information and for info on starting dates.
Duration: 14 nights, 12 days program
Price: IDR 15,600,000 with own dive equipment/ IDR 17,200,000 including rental equipment
Where you will stay
During all courses on Banda, you will stay in the seaside guesthouse Nurasia located at the waterfront on Banda Naira. It is run by a very friendly family who will cater well for you and is happy to provide you with all local information needed to make your stay pleasant. All rooms are equipped with ceiling fans and ensuite bathroom. Banda Naira offers all the benefits of civilization, like electricity, speedy internet, a variety of meal options and places to explore on foot. We do not include dinners in our package while you stay on Banda Naira to allow you explore local cuisine or go for European options. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and Warungs that you can choose from and most options will cost around €2-3 per meal.
If we get the chance to visit Hatta Island during the course, you will live right on the beach. This is a remote place with limited electricity and no internet access. Here, all meals (included in the price above) will be cooked for you by a local family. It’s a unique place where you can snorkel with turtles, see blacktip reefsharks from the shore and spend all your free time on the beautiful coral reef right at your doorstep.