In-Water Sea turtle Conservation

location
2 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • You will have direct contact with the wildlife in Brazil in the search for sea turtles in their habitat and captures of them in the water as well as monitoring their interactions with fisherman
  • Also you will discover the natural beauty of the region and its marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins and sea lions.
  • Be able to experience the Brazilian way of life and immerse yourself in its culture, from its food, music and dance, also with the opportunity to see Brazilian shows every weekend.

Highlights

  • You will have direct contact with the wildlife in Brazil in the search for sea turtles in their habitat and captures of them in the water as well as monitoring their interactions with fisherman
  • Also you will discover the natural beauty of the region and its marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins and sea lions.
  • Be able to experience the Brazilian way of life and immerse yourself in its culture, from its food, music and dance, also with the opportunity to see Brazilian shows every weekend.
  • Promote environmental education amongst the locals and build friendships with volunteers from around the world.
  • Learn and develop the different techniques for sea turtle research and live a greener life which we promote and apply as a group.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Search for sea turtles and have direct contact with wildlife in Brazil!

    About the Program

    The main objective of this programme is to evaluate and assess the occurrence of Green Sea Turtles in the breakwaters of “Molhes de Barra”. When doing so you will assess the relationships of the turtles which such activities like fishing and tourism, to help the conservation of ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    The main objective of this programme is to evaluate and assess the occurrence of Green Sea Turtles in the breakwaters of “Molhes de Barra”. When doing so you will assess the relationships of the turtles which such activities like fishing and tourism, to help the conservation of this species. This is done by 3 main methods:

    1 - Sighting sea turtles from a fixed point and recording data.

    2 - Monitoring the artisanal fisheries.   

    3 - Capturing the sea turtles to perform biometrics, sampling and marking in two different regions “Molhe Oeste” in Rio Grande Municipality and “Molhe Leste” in Sao Jose de Norte municipality.

    Your Role as a Volunteer

    In order to achieve these goals volunteers must develop their skills and perform their activities effectively. Volunteers will be monitored to ensure that all data has been collected correctly. Volunteers can benefit from the opportunity of being trained by one of the most experienced groups in intentional capture of sea turtles in Brazil. Co-ordinaed by PhD Gustavo Martinez Souza - who has done do for over 10 years throughout Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul. South, Brazil, and the coast of Uruguay - as well as enjoy natural landscapes still little known and valued in South Brazil (as Molhe Oeste, "Refúgio da Vida Silvestre do Molhe Oeste", "Estação Ecológica do Taim" and "Capilha"). The house of Caminho Marinho’s main place of work is on the beach of “Praia de Cassino” and is 5km from the “Molhe  Oeste”, Rio Grande. Instead of commercial centres, for the small beaches of brazil in “Praia do Cassino” there are handicraft shops, clothing stores, drugstores and supermarkets, where over 40,000 residents visit per year and 1 million people over summer (Dec-Feb).

    About the Molhes da Barra

    There are two 5km long breakwaters at the mouth of Lagoa dos patos that protect from wave action and natural silting giving access to the estuarine environment. The “Molhes de Barra” moorings are the only large rock structures along the entire coast of Rio Grande do Sul (except the Torres in the extreme North of the state) and they play a fundamental role in the ecology of several species. As these structures provide protection for the habitat of communities, such as mussels, groupers, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, sea birds and sea turtles.


    Typical day

    Every day the volunteers will cycle (5km) to the “Molhe Oeste” to carry out monitoring activities, such as:

    • Sighting sea turtles from a fixed point (Molhes de Barra)
    • Teams will take turns to go to the breakwaters by bike or foots to observe for two hours, and rest for 30 minutes per sighting. They ...

    Typical day

    Every day the volunteers will cycle (5km) to the “Molhe Oeste” to carry out monitoring activities, such as:

    • Sighting sea turtles from a fixed point (Molhes de Barra)
    • Teams will take turns to go to the breakwaters by bike or foots to observe for two hours, and rest for 30 minutes per sighting. They will record the number of animals sighted, oceanographic and meteorological data and some other measurements.
    • Monitor of amateur and artisanal fishing in the Breakwaters of Barra de Rio Grande.

    As well as sighting animals, volunteers will follows amateur and artisanal fishing activities and record the number of fisherman using each type of fishing gear (holding net, net, line and rod, etc). They will interview the fishermen socioeconomic questions and receive the sea turtles caught incidentally by the fishermen partners of Caminho Marinho. If turtles are captured, the volunteers will manage the captured animals following Caminho Marinho’s correct protocol.

    Twice a week, the volunteers will go to intentionally captured sea turtles in Molhe Oeste to carry out biometrics, sampling and tagging. To intentionally capture green sea turtles, we use a waiting gill net (50m length, 3.2m height, 30cm mesh).

    The turtles that are captured are characterized by the presence or absence of tumors and epibionts, obtained biometrics (7 measures), skin, blood and carapace collection, then are later tagged and released.

    In order to raise awareness about turtle protection issues and conservation of the environment some of these releases will take place in the presence of local tourists and residents. This will promote interaction between the community and the activities of Caminho Marinho.

    Once a week, volunteers will travel by boat to the intentionally captured sea turtles in Molhe Leste in Sao Jose de Norte. Using the same procedure as previously mentioned.


    Free-time activities

    Rio Grande is a city known for musicality, with several local artists of Brazilian and international music (Thursday to Saturday gigs).

    Rio Grande has several museums with the most known being those linked to the sea: oceanographic museum, nautical museum, eco-museum Polvora Island, and a visit to ...

    Free-time activities

    Rio Grande is a city known for musicality, with several local artists of Brazilian and international music (Thursday to Saturday gigs).

    Rio Grande has several museums with the most known being those linked to the sea: oceanographic museum, nautical museum, eco-museum Polvora Island, and a visit to the Center for Marine Animal Rehabilitation (CRAM).

    Although limited to climatic conditions, there are diving and swimming spots in the breakwaters, as well as hiking through different places in the city as Ilha dos Marinheiros, Capilha and Taim. 

    Once a week, beach yoga activities are suggested, as well as a percussion workshop. 


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    The program intends to give opportunity to all who have health conditions to carry out the activities.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 20:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Caminho Marinho

    With the payment, the volunteers have the right to accommodation, food, professional training and participation in all activities of the Caminho Marinho, combining expenses with land and water transportation (fishery boat).
    Volunteers are entitled to use a bicycle, being responsible for the maintenance and safety.

    Accommodation

    Caminho Marinho's house is large with three bedrooms and one of them is a suite. As volunteers demand, the room can be individual, shared with one other person or shared with up to six volunteers.
    The organization of the house is collective, and the volunteers are responsible for the organization of the house, cleaning and preparation of meals.

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers are entitled to three basic meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and the volunteers are responsible for preparation and cleaning after a meal.
    • At breakfast, there is bread, jam, margarine, tea, coffee and biscuit (salted and sweet).
    • At lunch, volunteers prepare quick meals such as pasta, omelette or sandwiches, so you do not waste time and get the volunteer tasks done.
    • At dinner, the meal is more elaborate with rice, beans, salad, accompaniment (potatoes, polenta or vegetables).
    Dishes are washed by volunteers.
    Drinks are not included in the fees. The house has water filter and the possibility to buy drinks (soda, juice and beer (at night)).

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Salgado Filho International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre. We assist you to find cheap flights to Brazil. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Brazil provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Brazil you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Brazil. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Caminho Marinho offers accommodation service in the Cassino Beach, which consists of a large house with 3 bedrooms, bathroom, living room and kitchen, equipped with internet and washing machine with cost; The organization is collective between the trainees and volunteers to maintain the good living environment. Bed linen (sheets, blanket and pillow) and bath towel and for the field are the responsibility of the volunteers.

    The project is located in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul. The nearest international airport is located in Porto Alegre (Salgado Filho Airport). By bus, the volunteer arrives from Porto Alegre to Rio Grande in a trip of 5 hours and 27 dollars of cost.

    The Project region has four seasons of the year well marked and therefore the luggage of the volunteer must be adapted according to the period of their participation. The project works throughout the year - however, the climate changes every season. Although sea turtles are present all year round, they become much less abundant between July and September.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 449€
    3 weeks 618€
    4 weeks 788€
    5 weeks 928€
    6 weeks 1,077€
    7 weeks 1,217€
    8 weeks 1,357€
    9 weeks 1,496€
    10 weeks 1,636€
    11 weeks 1,756€
    12 weeks 1,875€
    13 weeks 1,985€
    20 weeks (max. stay) 3,531€
    Average fees 201€/week

    Program fees

    201€ per week 2 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 20 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Caminho Marinho during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Caminho Marinho

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (11 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2010

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Thayana

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    The Caminho Marinho is an initiative that aims to connect Research, Extension and Teaching as the way for the sea turtles conservation and sustainable use of resources.

    Meet your organization

    Caminho Marinho is a marine conservation nonprofit in Brazil focused on protecting sea turtles “in water” and preserving their feeding areas through hands-on conservation programs in 3 different brazilian beaches. Join us, help the sea turtles´ research and travel across brazilian south coast following the sea turtles!

     

    • Who We Are

    Caminho Marinho team has been sharing our passion for sea turtles and artisanal fisheries culture with volunteers from around the world for over 12 years. The Volunteering Caminho Marinho opportunities are a unique opportunity to learn about the sea turtles, travel across Brazil and to help protect and conserve thie coastal and marine environment.


    • Our History

    Since 2010, Caminho Marinho is an initiative that develops research, teaching and extension in important feeding areas for sea turtles in Brazil, places where sea turtles can stay for 20 to 50 years. 

     

    • Our Mission

    Our mission is to promote the conservation of sea turtles under an ecosystem approach, that is, to seek the individual health of sea turtles in coastal environments, valuing the ecological sustainability of the areas, recognizing the need for economic viability, but always promoting social justice.

     

    • Our Goals

    Our main objective is to assess the abundance of sea turtles in feeding and development areas and the individual health of these animals, accompanied by students and volunteers in training, and sharing the main results with the local and general community. Each site with its scenic beauty, community involvement and problems in which sea turtles suffer from human actions. 

    The role of the volunteer is fundamental for the uninterrupted proposition of activities to monitor the abundance and density of sea turtles and their potential interaction with artisanal fishing communities, working mainly in the sighting of sea turtles from fixed historically monitored points.

    The volunteer participates in environmental education activities organized in our carnival block rhythm of the sea, which proposes musical and artistic education activities with discarded materials to promote a carnival block that shares the proposals and ideals of environmental conservation. Therefore, different workshops are proposed weekly, such as for the production of costumes, painting of costumes, production of musical instruments, musical performance, in addition to visits to important conservation areas. The block has its peak moment in the carnival parade during this important Brazilian holiday.

    Become a Caminho Marinho volunteer and participate in the training promoted through lectures by the main researchers who lead the current research of our institute, and guests from important partner institutions in Brazil and worldwide.

     

    • Why Choose Us?

    More than an accommodation, Base do Caminho Marinho seeks to be, in practice, the environment is the harmonious system with activities shared among all, always seeking ecologically sustainable, economically viable and socially fair strategies, developing the main practices that are friendly to the environment.


    11 reviews · rating4.9

    Holly Crawford rating5

    2021 at In-Water Sea turtle Conservation

    To sum it up- Caminho Marinho is a little piece of heaven. To say more, there wasn’t anything that I didn’t love. As a 50+ year old volunteer from the USA that had no experience with long term volunteer commitment (+1 month), no real knowledge of sea turtles and sadly unprepared to converse ...
    Valentin Milet rating5

    2019 at In-Water Sea turtle Conservation

    You will arrive in a wonderful country with an amazing team. All Caminho Marinho crews are so nice and interesting. Doing a social journey with them is a great way to learn many things about Brazil, the ocean, turtles and to discover a new culture and maybe a new part of you. To conclude, it's the ...
    Maria Luiza Leal de Paula rating5

    2019 at In-Water Sea turtle Conservation

    Caminho Marinho helped me to understand what it feels like to work into marine conservation, in a group that loves what they do. My volunteer experience in Caminho Marinho is a huge part of my formation in Biological Sciences, and it makes me love even more what I’m doing. In Rio Grande we can ...
    Thayana Gião rating5

    2018 at In-Water Sea turtle Conservation

    Volunter on Caminho Marinho - Conservation of sea turtles in Brazil The Caminho Marinho project develops activities focused on conservation and research on sea turtles that live in Praia do Cassino. Its main activities are: intentional capture of sea turtles, monitoring of the current fishing in ...
    Bruno Correa rating5

    2018 at In-Water Sea turtle Conservation

    Google Translator: Search to know, extend to share, and teach to multiply Develop research, extension and teaching about sea turtles to promote their conservation, valuing ecological, economic and social aspects, inspiring the sustainable and ecosystem use of the ...
    Maria Luiza Leal de Paula rating5

    2018 at In-Water Sea turtle Conservation

    Caminho Marinho helped me to understand what it feels like to work into marine conservation, in a group that loves what they do. My volunteer experience in Caminho Marinho is a huge part of my formation in Biological Sciences, and it makes me love even more what I’m doing. In Rio Grande we can ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Brazil > Rio Grande

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