Lord Howe Island Volunteer Trip

Have you ever wanted to “do something good” while traveling and experiencing a new place?

This is an opportunity to make a contribution to the environment while you’re on vacation. Join the marine park rangers in a week long underwater monitoring program where you will learn underwater survey protocols and collect data on unique native and threatened marine life. The data you collect will be applied to genuine ongoing monitoring program conducted by the Lord Howe Marine Park Authority.

Lord Howe Island is like the “Galapagos” of the West Pacific and the crossroads of 5 major ocean currents. The isolated island is in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. A World Heritage listed site, it offers a rare and spectacular array of marine life in pristine clear waters, and the chance to have kingfish eating out of your hands at Ned's Beach.

Day 1/ Saturday:
On your afternoon arrival, you will be given a welcome orientation and BBQ.

Day 2/ Sunday:
In the morning the marine park rangers will conduct a briefing and protocol training for the McColloughs anemonefish-rare endemics monitoring program. The rest of the morning will be spent on one dive and one snorkel transect in the lagoon. In the afternoon digest all this new learning and compare notes in a friendly debrief, where you will also be introduced to data entry protocols.

Day 3/ Monday:
In the morning you will follow up with a further two dive transects on McColloughs anemonefish-rare endemics. This time you will dive in the outer reefs. In the afternoon, a shore-based snorkel transect in the lagoon, or an intertidal quadrat survey where you can experience the amazing rockpool biodiversity that Lord Howe has to offer.

Day 4/ Tuesday:
In the morning the marine park rangers will introduce the volunteers to the endangered black cod and Lord Howe turtle species monitoring program. This will be followed by two timed-swim dive surveys. Enjoy an afternoon free to explore the heritage community settlement of Lord Howe Island.

Day 5/ Wednesday:
In the morning you will continue with the endangered black cod and Lord Howe turtle species with two timed-swim dive surveys. In the afternoon you may do a snorkel transect or intertidal quadrat, depending on the weather.

Day 6/ Thursday:
In the morning you will conduct a McColloughs anemonefish-rare endemics survey with a goodbye snorkel in the lagoon. In the afternoon a final debrief with the marine park rangers on the outcomes of the volunteer monitoring program data. Followed with a well-earned rest the rest of the afternoon! Or take an optional naturalist tour to investigate the terrestrial wonders of Lord Howe Island. End the day with a farewell BBQ.

Day 7/ Friday:
Morning free at leisure. Afternoon departure.