We have a variety of volunteer programs, both formal and informal in nature, to allow folks to help us achieve our goals of helping to restore our worlds aquatic ecosystems.
There are several basic areas where volunteers can help:
> Aid in building Reef
Balls
-Typically working with setting up molds and pouring
concrete
o Suitable for most anyone with normal physical
aptitude that does not mind getting concrete up to your
elbow.
x Conditions vary according to the exact nature of
the project, there is usually no cost to volunteer unless the assistance
includes formal construction training from an authorized
contractor.
=Typical
Project
> Aid in Deploying Reef
Balls
-Typically working as a diver from a boat or from
shore
o Usually requires an advanced diving certification,
volunteers near deployment areas willing to provide boats are often
needed. Normally requires some experience doing underwater
tasks.
x Conditions vary according to the exact nature of
the project, there is usually no cost to volunteer unless the assistance
includes formal deployment training from an authorized contractor.
Volunteers must typically supply their own diving gear, although weights and
tanks are often proved by the project.
=Typical Project
> Aid in Coral Transplanting,
Propagation, Coral Rescue or Reef Restoration Work
-Working near shore and underwater with advanced techniques for reef restoration
and creation work.
o Usually requires certified
divers, priority is given to formal members of the
Reef Ball Coral Propagation and Rescue teams that one qualifies to join
after successfully completing your first coral project. We are typically
looking for individuals that have special skills, education, professional or
private interests in coral reefs. Typical volunteers include marine
biology or ocean engineering students, marine consultants, people with
backgrounds in either NGOs or governmental coastal management, coral reef
researchers or other scientists, people with advanced diving skills, underwater
photographers or videographers, members of the environmentally related press,
environmentalists, marine reserve managers, etc.
x These
projects are typically based in countries other than the U.S. and can involve
significant travel costs. On average, it may cost a volunteer between
$700-$1500 dollars per week to participate in such a project. (Typically
volunteers pay for their own airfare and between $700-$1000 per week for room,
food, and drinks). Volunteers must typically carry about 15-20 pounds of
coral transplant supplies with them which are provided without cost by the Reef
Ball Foundation, Inc. Supplies include coral propagation putty, and a
special 3 minute setting concrete used to make coral plugs. Volunteers usually
supply their own personal needs such as dive gear, latex gloves, sun block, hat
with brim, insect repellent, etc. The Reef Ball Foundation normally sets
up access to the internet for volunteers when out of the country. Groups
typically range in size from 6-12 volunteers per trip. One or two coral
propagation experts accompany the volunteers for training and supervision and
are normally accompanied by a local contractor (who typically built the Reef
Balls) and a hotel sponsor (who typically purchased the Reef Balls). It is
recommended that volunteers bring underwater digital cameras (Most team members
carry a Cannon Powershot 400 with the Cannon Underwater Housing WP-DC800).
The Reef Ball Foundation also provides volunteers two project t-shirts (one for
working, one to take home clean). We do our best to design these
trips around individuals that will have a great time together (i.e. some trips
are geared for couples, whereas others are geared more for singles, etc.
We typically like a balance of male and female volunteers for these projects due
to the wide variety of tasks and skills the group must possess as a whole to be
successful. Each volunteer is expected to plant about 150 corals in a one
week period. To be invited to participate, we must have on file a
copy of your passport and diving certification card. A short description
or C.V. of your diving, educational background, or other project related skills
is very helpful to us in making up the right group of individuals for each
trip.
= Typical
Project, Another Typical
Project, Typical
Training
> Aid in planting and caring for Red
Mangroves
-Typically working with pots and soils in waste
deep or less salt water
o Suitable for folks that have
green thumbs and don't mind getting their feet
muddy.
x Conditions vary according to the exact
nature of the project, there is usually no cost to
volunteer
= Typical
Project
> Educational or School
Based Volunteering Reef Ball Projects
-Typically hosted by
elementary, high school, university, or NGOs
o We can help
you set up a program in your school to meet whatever level of students need
x Conditions vary according to the exact nature of the
project, we have matching grants available to fund these
project.
= Typical
Project
Want Information About Volunteering & Current
Projects?
Just enter your email address and hit submit
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Need more information? Contact us:
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Reef Ball Foundation, Inc., Georgia Office (Kathy Kirbo) Florida Office (Todd Barber)
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Copyright ©1993 - 2004, Reef Ball Foundation, Inc. all rights reserved. See brochure page footer for information on patents, copyrights, trademarks and service marks referenced, but not indicated, on this page. |
Other Valuable Internal Reef Ball Links
Reef
Ball World Mapping System-NEW
-Project Summaries, News, Coordinates, Coordinators, Contractors, ETC by
Location!
News
Articles in the Press
-Maiden
Island Antigua Total Reef Restoration Project Press Release.
-Coral
Reef Transplant Notes
-Identified
Hard Coral Diseases (The
Coral Disease Page) offline
