INTRODUCTION

Akumal is formed mainly by bays, beach zones, and different marine ecosystems including the coral reef and the permanent presence of charismatic species such as sea turtles, fish and other rare species. All these form an important resource because they form an integral part of Akumal’s identity, and are its main natural attraction.

They also form part as a very important biological, ecological, geological, scientific and economic point of view.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems (MBRS) is formed by a complex of Barrier reefs that extend from the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsular to the Islas de la Bahia in Honduras. It is considered the second biggest barrier reef in the world. The MBRS is unique in the Western Hemisphere due to its size, the types of reef, and the huge diversity of corals and related species. The MBRS contributes to the stability and protection of the coastline, it maintains the water quality along the coastline and also functions as a feeding nursery and reproduction site for marine mammals, reptiles, fish and invertebrates, many of which are important sources of food. The MBRS also holds a huge socioeconomic importance, providing jobs and a source of income to approximately one million people living in adjacent coastal areas.

The National Commition for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), considers Akumal as an area for investigation, conservation and to create awareness among people in order to protect our natural resources and the natural heritage.

Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) has participated in most of the conservation initiatives as a promoter of knowledge, environmental education and as a link between users and stakeholders to protect the area.

MAIN OBJECTIVE

The Marine and Coastal Protection Program is one of the six programs of CEA, its purpose is to promote the protection and conservation of the coastal ecosystems.

With a focus on an integrated coastal system, the Marine and Coastal Protection Program promotes the implementation of a management policy based on the understanding and study of the marine ecosystem and its services.

Here at Centro Ecologico Akumal’s Marine and Coastal Protection Program you can come as volunteer, do part of the year off time in uni, or simply have a different diving vacation in one of the most beautiful places as a volunteer.

PROJECTS

The program has 4 areas in which the participants will get involved:

• Reef Monitoring and Research subprogram.*
• Bay Monitoring and Patrol.
• Management and maintenance.
• Diffusion and Environmental Education.

* To apply for this subprogram, is necessary to commit fulltime for a period of three months and you need a dive certification PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent.

VOLUNTEER

The main goal of the CEA’s Reef Monitoring and Research subprogram is to collect comprehensive data on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the region of Akumal, using the MBRS methodology, REEF and Reef Check, to have a baseline characterization of the reef ecosystem in this zone.

This program runs all year long and is divided in 4 phases a year, whit a duration of 3 months each. We monitor both fish and corals, and each of the volunteers is expected to specialize in either one of these.

Before you can start the actual monitoring work, you must be able to identify 100% of the coral or fish species encountered here to make sure the data collected is accurate.

The first 3 weeks in this project will mostly be spent learning fishes or corals, becoming familiar with the monitoring methodology, and going snorkeling in the bay for some underwater identification practice.

You will also be given general lectures (wildlife, reefs, oceanography, etc.) to give you a better perspective on your work.

You should be ready to start monitoring on week 4; and we will go diving at least twice a week, hopefully trice.

The subprogram receives new volunteers 4 times a year, and it’s divided in phases:

• The Bay Monitoring and Patrol subprogram’s main objectives are to prospect and characterize the ecological environment of Akumal Bays. The volunteers will support the implementation of different elements of the program. This includes surveying, ecological characterization, and observation and monitoring of human activities in the bays, information dissemination, and a variety of other activities.
• Marine Management Communitary Program of Akumal Bays (POBAK in spanish) is a program that has created infrastructure, in order to control and manage the sustainable use of the natural resources of Akumal Bay, as well as to know and preserve the marine ecosystems within. This activity consists on fixing when necessary the zoning system, the buoying system, and the rest of the furniture created for the well functioning of the program.
• The Diffusion and Environmental Education program is to help the program in conferences and diffusion of the good practices among the tourists and people living in Akumal Bay.

OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION

• Please note that we do not accept volunteers under the age of 21.
• According to the number of applicants for the program, a strict selection of the applications will be made.
• The fees for the Marine and Coastal Protection Program are 200 USD/month; and $500 USD/month for the Reef Monitoring Subprogram. This is a recuperation cost for the basic expenses related with your stay, such as the kitchen, cleaning, water, gas, internet, electric, repairs and maintenance.
• Your donation is due one month before the start of the program. This INCLUDES for both programs: accommodation, access to the fully furnished kitchen, all the equipment and material needed for your work.
• FOOD IS NOT INCLUDED
• You must have a valid passport and visa for the length of your stay. It is your responsibility to have up-to-date immigration documents.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the recommended vaccinations and take any prescribed or advised medication. Please note that CEA do not provide medical attention.
• You should have valid insurance for both medical services and diving (DAN), and bring copies of all your papers.

STAFF

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information:

Marine and Coastal Protection Program Coordinator:
Miguel Angel Maldonado Cuevas
marina@ceakumal.org

Volunteer & Reef Monitoring Program Coordinator:
David Placencia
arrecife@ceakumal.org