Project Manaia

  Verified by Volunteer World
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rating

4.8

Excellent


18

Reviews


10

Years in business

Join us aboard a sailing research boat exploring the Marine wildlife of the Mediterranean sea. All while sailing one of the most amazing areas in the world.

- Who we are?

Project Manaia is a small and growing Marine Conservation/Research NGO, that was founded in 2014. Registered in Austria we are operating from aboard our Research Sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea. Our permanent volunteering crew of 2 is organizing the trips as well as the outreach from ...

Review Description

- Who we are?

Project Manaia is a small and growing Marine Conservation/Research NGO, that was founded in 2014. Registered in Austria we are operating from aboard our Research Sailboat in the Mediterranean Sea. Our permanent volunteering crew of 2 is organizing the trips as well as the outreach from the boat while a few more volunteers on land help with "on shore" tasks on a weekly basis.

- What do we do?

The organization is working towards "Healthy and living oceans" and as such most of our work is targeted towards baseline research, such as habitat mapping and species distribution. While the data is basic, those are also the kinds of information needed in order to create Marine protected areas or get specific marine species listed as protected species. With this in mind, we are using simple equipment and methods to create a big impact for a better understanding of the marine environment and its residents.

- Where do we work? 

Our work is currently focused entirely on the Mediterranean Sea. While it is one of the prime sailing regions of the world, this is also the sea with the highest amount of human impact working on it. With more shipping traffic, more tourism and fisheries as well as garbage in the water than any other sea in the world, this is the perfect testing ground to find solutions for all those existing issues.

Within the Mediterranean Sea we are currently operating on the European side, which makes it an incredibly safe place to be: in regards to the people as well as health issues, as medical help is generally available and no special vaccinations (as in the tropic regions) are needed

- Our mission/vision

We made it our mission to keep our seas as healthy and full of life as they currently are. While the trend is certainly not working in our favor the work is more important than ever. We aim to work against the loss of habitats and the following biodiversity loss. With our work, we create both, a direct impact on those developments as well as a better understanding of those issues with the general public, which again leads to better protection in the long run.

- Our goals

The ultimate goal is of course to have a sea that is full of fish and life once again. However, as this will take some time, we are currently working towards more (and bigger) protected areas in the Mediterranean, but at the same time, a big part of the work is educational and outreach. In many parts along the coast, even the residents have limited knowledge and understanding of all the life they have below the surface. By showing people how fragile and yet important this ecosystem underwater is, we generate momentum within the local communities that we as a crew and international volunteers can carry out into the world and help to spread a message.

- Who are we looking for?

The perfect candidate to come on board is a motivated, self-driven ocean-loving individual! While no prior experience is needed and we are happy to teach all the necessary skills on board any prior experience will of course help. The most important things are that you are motivated, you can swim, speak English and you are willing to help a common cause. If you can answer all those things with a yes, this qualifies you as a great candidate already!

- Why choose us?

While there is a variety of Organizations offering similar experiences, we truly believe that we can offer a unique experience in an amazing package: You get to be part of a research team, a sailing crew, and an international group while sailing in some of the most amazing areas of this planet. And during this time free time activities such as snorkeling and swimming become a part of the daily "work" while there is still ample time available to go paddleboarding, exploring on land, and hang out with your crewmates. And as we are a boat-based operation, you will be not limited to one location but within a two-week stay will cover at least 100 nautical miles of coastline giving you a nice overview of an entire area and a chance to explore more than just one spot - both on land and of course underwater!


Contact Person

PINAR MARINELLI

Spoken languages: English
  Excellent response rate

Project Manaia reviews

Eva Rachtchinine rating5.0

2024 at Marine Research Expedition

I had the pleasure of being part of the Waya Waya crew for the first 2 weeks in June of 2024. Before I arrived on the boat, I was nervous to meet everyone and was worried that I did not have any background in marine biology. However as soon as I stepped on the boat, I immediately felt like I was a ...
Ben Chanter rating5.0

2024 at Marine Research Expedition

It was an incredible experience with incredible crew. Lots of inspiring people making things happen which you don’t often get to see. The passion behind the project and the goodwill is something not to be taken for granted. An amazing experience where you will enjoy beautiful scenery from the best ...
Rosalie Blake rating5.0

2023 at Marine Research Expedition

Being on board of this research sailboat was an incredible experience that I will never forget. We learned and did so much in my two weeks stay: beach cleanups, ID species, transects, mammals watching and learning how to navigate. I would definetly recommend to everyone interested in marine biology ...
Mia Pavic rating5.0

2023 at Marine Research Expedition

Spending two weeks aboard this research vessel is an experience I will never forget. Learning how to complete transects, species ID and mammal watched while also learning how to sail is something I will always value and take away from this trip. Being able to work with various other volunteers with ...
Amélie Faraud rating4.8

2023 at Marine Research Expedition

I spent 2 weeks on the boat of Pinar and Manuel, a lovely couple who teach all they know about the marine world, and answer all the curious questions you could have. We had a great crew and we managed to complete really interesting tasks including watching observations, navigation, snorkeling, ...
James McArthur rating4.6

2023 at Marine Research Expedition

My two weeks with Project Manaia was incredible. Manuel and Pinar were welcoming and generous, the rest of the crew were wonderful and every day was an adventure! Highly recommend ...

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UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Life Below Water