Conservation is foremost about protection. Many times we experience the need for protection ourselves. Here in Cambodia we know there is a need for the protection of the marine environment this we experience when we see endangered species for sale in local markets, when we hear dynamite explosions whilst scuba diving, when we see illegal trawling within the delicate habitats of the inshore areas and  when we see the use of cyanide and other destructive fishing techniques on our local reefs and ecosystems. These are all things that bring immediate attention to the need for immediate action. But what action?

The need for immediate action must be coupled with the collection of solid data to prove beyond doubt that these and other actions have a detrimental effect on the local ecosystems and also to prove the benefits of conservation programs. When witnessing first hand the large amount of damage that can be done in a very short time it is easy to understand the need for protection but for anyone not directly witnessing the destruction a need for clear data is essential. When we take action towards marine conservation we need to assess whether an area needs protection, why it needs protection and what it needs protection from. These are just a few of the major questions we need to ask. We need to look at all factors from the obvious to the not so obvious. Critical thinking is required and science is needed. By investigating marine ecosystems to quantify the biodiversity and abundance of flora and fauna we can start to draw conclusions about the negative and positive effects each action has on our local marine ecosystems.

Through a scientific monitoring program our team of researchers and trained  scuba divers have started to investigate the marine environment’s condition along the coastline of Cambodia, this information can then be used to assist the local government in their strategy planning for marine conservation and support of local fishing communities. Being a participant in marine conservation and research means you will be devoted to regularly scuba diving to monitor our target sites. Depending on you experience you will be trained in many aspects of underwater monitoring and research, based on worldwide research programs. Besides learning the methodology of collecting data, you will also learn about what species live in the Cambodian coastal waters and how to recognize them.

Together with other volunteers and specialists you will spend time in the field performing the learned techniques in order to collect, collate and analyse data on the marine environment. Investigative projects include seahorses surveys, biodiversity and abundance surveys to name a few. This information will is then submitted to all kinds of interested groups such as the Fisheries Administration in Cambodia, to maintain a sustainable marine environment for Cambodia.