What does it really take to have a rewarding volunteering experience in marine conservation? Dr Louisa of MareCet shares her thoughts. 

MareCet is a non-profit dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals in Malaysia. Established in 2012, their focus is on increasing scientific knowledge through research, conservation-based outreach and education, strengthening policies, and developing capacity. MareCet strives to work to protect marine mammals and their fragile habitats and promote ocean stewardship within Malaysian society.

Dr Louisa Ponnampalam, MareCet’s Executive Director welcomes people of all backgrounds who are passionate about conservation to volunteer at MareCet. Living her childhood dream of being a cetacean ecologist, Dr Louisa’s biggest aspirations is to coach homegrown researchers who could become the next generation of marine conservation ambassadors in Malaysia through hands-on participation in MareCet’s efforts.

With a dedicated team working alongside her, she hopes to shine a spotlight on the importance of marine conservation.

Dr Louisa (seated second from the left) with some of the MareCet team. Photo by MareCet.

Forging your own pathway

There is a preconceived notion that you need a background in biology or environmental science to fit into the conservation field. MareCet believes that in order to be effective and relevant in the ever-evolving field of conservation, volunteers from diverse backgrounds can all make important contributions.

“Marine conservation volunteering does not only involve science, or working with wildlife, but can also encompass a variety of scopes such as communications, policy, marketing and strategy, project management, fundraising, and so much more; these all make up the foundational groundwork for any project here at MareCet.”
– Dr. Louisa

In most fields of conservation, there is no clear-cut pathway. You usually have to forge your own way by finding or creating your own opportunities.

What awaits on your volunteering journey

When asked what an average day looks like for a volunteer at MareCet, Dr Louisa replies that there really is no ‘average day’ as everyone’s schedule is varied. You can be in the office one day, and out at sea the next!

“As conservationists, we wear many hats, especially when the organisation is small and runs on a shoestring budget.”
– Dr. Louisa

Volunteering with MareCet provides a rare opportunity to observe the shenanigans of wild dolphins,
such as this pod of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins sighted around the Langkawi Archipelago. Photo by MareCet.

Volunteering for marine conservation projects can be a rewarding and impactful experience, but it does come with challenges and conditions that volunteers should be prepared for. Different organisations operate differently depending on project and site location, so there are a few common considerations to take into account before choosing to volunteer.

The team at MareCet has spent many years welcoming and preparing volunteers to work with them. They share four important factors to consider when thinking of volunteering for marine conservation initiatives. 

1. Physical fitness

Marine conservation volunteering often involves physically demanding tasks which may include diving, snorkelling, beach clean-ups, and boat-based activities. Volunteers need to be in good physical condition and capable of handling the activities mentioned above.

It requires being out at sea collecting as much data as possible. This can translate into being on a boat for up to 10 hours a day. Volunteers are welcomed to join field surveys which are research trips within a field site. You would be assisting with the survey out at sea across six to eight days, giving you a firsthand experience of what a marine conservation scientist does and how extensive the work gets.

2. Environmental conditions

While being out and about on a boat witnessing amazing marine animals is fun and exciting, bear in mind that marine environments can be rather harsh. Volunteers will be exposed to the sun, strong ocean winds, swell, and sea conditions that may not sit well with many.

Aside from being mentally prepared, volunteers should also be physically prepared by bringing appropriate clothing, sunscreen, motion sickness medication (if needed) and protective gear during your time with any marine organisation.

Conducting marine mammal research on the boat with the MareCet team means exposure to the elements for long hours, searching for signs of a dolphin, porpoise, or whale. Photo by MareCet.

3. Living conditions in remote areas

While there is desk work required, marine conservation also takes you to remote areas that will not have typical creature comforts. On MareCet field surveys, volunteers and staff will put up in a simple rented homestay. Dr Louisa shares that at Pulau Sibu (one of the field sites), lodging is at the local village where the rooms are clean but very basic, with no hot showers, and minimal internet access.

Meals while out at sea may consist of basic packaged food that is easy to carry around and quick to eat like bread (with peanut butter, an easy staple!), kuih, packed rice, or noodles

“Sometimes, depending on the weather and situation, we have to have our lunch on the go, while the boat is cutting through waves and swells, and the wind threatens to blow the lettuce out of our sandwich away! True life story right there!”
– Dr. Louisa

4. Long and odd hours

Depending on the project, volunteers may be required to work during early mornings or late nights to collect, organise and key-in data, and pack and clean the equipment used out at sea.

Long hours under the sun can sometimes wear one down, and power naps on the boat while the
research team is in transit to the next sampling point are most valuable. Photo by MareCet.

While it is challenging being a volunteer, it is no doubt an unforgettable experience that you will get to share with interesting people. Volunteers often come from different schools of thought and have diverse experience and perspectives on marine conservation. This exchange of ideas in situations which demand that you step out of your comfort zone will ultimately reward you with more insight about yourself and the world around you.

Here are some testimonials from interns and volunteers at MareCet.

“My internship with MareCet truly changed the way I perceived conservation work. I, too, spent most of my time on dolphin photo identification, which inspired me to change my career focus from ecology to conservation technology. I am ever so grateful to have had the opportunity to work at MareCet and learn about the different needs in conservation.”
– Toh Yi Jin, Intern

“The future seems so much more hopeful when you’re surrounded by people who are actively working towards a world that they believe in.”
– Nurul Izzati

“MareCet’s commitment to provide interns with a diverse range of exposure in this field truly shows their intention in crafting a valuable and impactful experience.”
– Christine Morris, Intern

Marine volunteering is more than just an act of service. It has the power to teach us about the wonders of the sea while supporting positive change for life below water. Through the dedication of time, skills, and love for the marine environment, the team at MareCet strives to continue their work in preserving the delicate balance of life beneath the waves.

Find out more about MareCet here
Volunteer/ partner with MareCet here

Writer: Rebecca Anne Chin (The Habitat Foundation)
Contributors: Dr Louisa Shobhini Ponnampalam (MareCet)