Find Your Perfect Place.

Marine Conservation Training in the Heart of the Caribbean

Find Your Perfect Place.

Meet Great People and Create Lasting Friendships

Find Your Perfect Place.

Marine Conservation Training in the Heart of the Caribbean

Find Your Perfect Place.

Meet Great People and Create Lasting Friendships

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FOR 2024

"Amidst the hustle and bustle of our age, let us not forget the quiet crisis unfolding beneath the waves.  The coral reefs, those ancient, vibrant cities of the sea, are facing unprecedented stress.  It is our privilege and responsibility to be the custodians of these mesmerising ecosystems, ensuring they thrive as a testament to the wonders of our planets biodiversity."
              - Sir David Attenborough

VOLUNTEER & INTERNSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES

The Story of Caribbean Reef Buddy

Our journey began back in 2014 when our visionary founder, Matt Rideout, found himself captivated by the island’s enchanting embrace. Being a marine biologist, his heart swelled with an unbreakable bond to the ocean. He yearned to weave the tales of our aquatic wonderland into the very fabric of our generation. Caribbean Reef Buddy, lovingly known as CRB, was born—a heartfelt endeavor to not only unravel the mysteries of our unique marine tapestry but to nurture it with unwavering care.

CRB isn’t just a project; it’s a movement, a song of unity for our millennial souls. With every dive, every discovery, we’re penning a symphony of conservation and change. Our purpose beats with the rhythm of sustainability, echoing the call for positive transformation. We’re not just unearthing scientific truths; we’re kindling a fire of inspiration that sets alight the hearts of all who cross our path.

In our world of hashtags and shared stories, CRB is our rallying cry for preservation of our ecosystems. It’s about diving deep not only into the ocean’s depths but also into the depths of our own potential. We’re rewriting the narrative, one coral at a time, urging everyone to become stewards of our environment. Through CRB’s journey, we don’t just hope to save the reefs; we aim to awaken a collective consciousness, stirring a generation to rise as custodians of our planet’s legacy. So, join us as we forge ahead, painting the future with hues of purpose, compassion, and the promise of a thriving world.

You Can Be Part of Our Project

All projects are fully supervised. You will have the opportunity to take part in coral reef health impact assessments, data gathering, lionfish hunting, coral nursery work and beach clean up projects. Gain credit for your volunteering: we can provide evaluations and recommendations for your college or university.

Coral Reef Nursery

Learn coral reef restoration techniques and get involved in the Caribbean Reef Buddy Coral Nursey Project

July 2018 saw the establishment of Caribbean Reef Buddy's new elkhorn coral nursery. Since then, we have  added staghorn coral species. In 2023, we will be expanding our nursery to include more coral species and a Research project. Volunteers help is needed to clean & maintain the coral nursery tables and trees, check on coral fragment health, and help with the eventual coral out planting on Carriacou's reefs. 

REEF REGENERATION
PROJECT PAGE

Coral Reef Regeneration: Gardening & Care

Taking the care for the coral reefs out onto the reef and maximising the care we can give

This beginner-friendly project aims to take you forward from the nursery and bring care and repair out onto the reef systems.  This project works hand-in-glove with the regeneration project and focuses on clearing algae, repairing damaged corals, and identifying fragments of opportunity that we can use to populate our nurseries.  We'll also spend some time looking at specific reef health surveys - vital for us to help plot the impact of global warming

CORAL REEF GARDENING
PROJECT PAGE

Coral Reef Monitoring

Take part in our ongoing coral reef monitoring project. You will be trained in the Reef Check monitoring protocols and conduct fish, benthic and coral surveys.

The coral reef systems around Carriacou comprise a beautiful and biodiverse coral reef ecosystem on which the population of this island relies. Though still teeming with life, increasing stress due to over-fishing and invasive species could ultimately threaten their collapse! Coral reef survey dives provide continuous data on biodiversity and the long-term health of the reefs thus helping inform decision making in regard to how reef areas are used and protected. Volunteers are trained to help gather and submit data using ReefCheck methods. 

REEF MONITORING
PROJECT PAGE

Predator Monitoring and Containment

Assist us to identify the species and proliferation of apex predators in our waters while helping us remove harmful invasive lionfish from our reefs.

Pelagic marine predators face unprecedented challenges and uncertain futures. Overexploitation and climate variability impact the abundance and distribution of top predators in our oceans. As a Reef Buddy volunteer, you will help monitor local predator behaviour and distribution using BRUVs. To date, the Carriacou Lionfish Containment Program has helped to remove over 4000 lbs of invasive lionfish from local reefs. The Invasive Lionfish Containment Program is an ongoing, all-year-round activity supported by our volunteers, local fishermen, and restaurants. 

PREDATOR WEEK
PROJECT PAGE

Volunteer Interview: Bianca Urbl

Caribbean Reef Buddy alumna Bianca Urbl talks about her experiences as a marine conservation volunteer, her love of the ocean, and the reason she returned to Carriacou to become a Divemaster.

If you would like to chat to one of our program coordinators about options for your volunteer program or if you want to find out more about becoming a Divemaster, ask us to give you a call (opens a new window).

Connect with us!

Caribbean Reef Buddy

Our mission is to work with and in support of local communities to assist in the protection and preservation of a healthy, diverse and sustainable marine ecosystem.

Links

Contacts
Email: info@caribbeanreefbuddy.org
Phone: +1 473 443 7882


Address
Main Street
Hillsborough, Carriacou, Grenada W.I.