How the Oceanic Society Takes Action

It is very easy to take elements of nature for granted. After all, they were there before we were born, we are experiencing them now, and they may be there after we are gone. But what happens when you see elements of nature disappearing right before your eyes? For organisations like the Oceanic Society, who are engaged in environment and marine conservation projects, the only way to react to these changing elements is to take action now.

The Oceanic Society is the oldest non-profit organisation in the United States. It was founded to take care of our oceans and educate people about the issues surrounding ocean health. Over the years, the society has taken on many issues that affect the oceans. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change have resulted in a loss of marine resources, unhealthy and dying ecosystems and disappearing species.

As a result of these problems, the society and its partners have expanded their efforts to:

Bring the ocean into our lives with Blue Habits
Support efforts to protect threatened marine species
Conduct life changing expeditions and learning experiences

Greatever Dry Snorkel Set,Panoramic Wide View,Anti-Fog Scuba Diving Mask,Professional Snorkeling Gear for Adults

Adult Pano 3 Window Scuba Diving Mask, Tempered Glass Snorkel Mask Anti-fog Swim Mask No Leakage Swim Goggles with Nose Cover Snorkeling Gear for Snorkeling, Freediving, Swimming (Black)

AQUA A DIVE SPORTS Diving mask Anti-Fog Swimming Snorkel mask Suitable for Adults Scuba Dive Swim Snorkeling Goggles Masks

IST ProEar Dive Mask with Ear Covers, Scuba Diving Pressure Equalization Gear, Tempered Glass Twin Lens (Black Silicone)

Oceanic Society Trips to the Caribbean

The society plans expeditions and nature travel experiences to countries and oceans around the world. They are small, guided tours designed to change behaviours and promote the adoption of “blue habits”. The funds from these trips are used in the fight to save the oceans, wildlife and people who depend on them.

Trips to the Caribbean include:

Bahamas: Dolphin Volunteer Research Program
Bahamas: Exploring the Out Islands
Belize: Ocean Wildlife Volunteer Program
Belize: Snorkeling & Coral Reef Ecology
Cuba: Sea Turtles, Coral Reefs, and Culture
Cuba: Snorkelling Gardens of the Queen
Panama: Snorkeling Marine Parks of the Pacific and Caribbean
Puerto Rico: Rainforest and Reef Adventure
Puerto Rico: Coral Reef Volunteer Program
Trinidad: Land of the Leatherbacks

Volunteering with the Oceanic Society

One of the ways that the Oceanic Society takes action is through its volunteer program. Volunteers play an important role in nature conservation programs. The Oceanic Society has depended on volunteers since it was founded in 1969. Their volunteer programs, which are volunteer vacations are opportunities to participate in conservation and marine research.

The society’s current volunteer programs in the Caribbean are:

Bahamas: Dolphin Volunteer Research Program
Belize: Ocean Wildlife Volunteer Program
Puerto Rico: Coral Reef Volunteer Program
Trinidad: Land of the Leatherbacks

Bahamas: Dolphin Volunteer Research Program

The Dolphin Volunteer Research Program continues studies into the behaviour of dolphins in the Bahamas. On the eight-day program, volunteers will:

Collect data on the behaviour and vocalisations of dolphins
Learn about dolphin behaviour, communication, physiology and evolution
Conduct surveys to observe dolphin behaviours
Snorkel in some of Bimini’s popular snorkel sites

Program Length: 8 days
Fee: Starts at USD 3,850
Supplement Fee: USD 700

Belize: Ocean Wildlife Volunteer Program

The Ocean Wildlife Volunteer Program in Belize takes volunteers to St. George’s Cay in Belize. It is a secluded island a mile away from the Belize Barrier Reef. On the week-long program, volunteers will:

Collect data on sea turtles, dolphins and manatees
Learn how to promote healthy and abundant marine communities via an exploration of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s protected reef
Spend time at the beach by the St. George’s Caye Research Station

Length: 8 days
Fee: Starts at USD 2,995
Supplement Fee: USD 350

Puerto Rico: Coral Reef Volunteer Program

The Coral Reef Volunteer Program in Puerto Rico teaches the field techniques that scientists use to evaluate coral reef health. On the eight-day program, volunteers will:

Learn techniques for monitoring reefs and identifying fish
Learn about the importance of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve
Visit the reefs of Desecheo Island
Learn about the sea turtle conservation efforts at Tres Hermanos Beach

Length: 8 days
Fee: Starts at USD 2,995
Supplement Fee: USD 750

Trinidad: Land of the Leatherbacks

The Land of the Leatherbacks Program in Trinidad is an opportunity to study leatherback turtles in an important nesting site. Volunteers will:

Work with sea turtles in Trinidad
Measure, tag and monitor nesting leatherback sea turtles
Visit the Caroni Swap

Length: 9 Days
Fee: Starts at USD 2,995
Supplement Fee: USD 500

ZEEPORTE Mask Fin Snorkel Set, Travel Size Snorkeling Gear for Adults with Panoramic View Anti-Fog Mask, Trek Fins, Dry Top Snorkel and Gear Bag for Swimming Training, Snorkeling Kit Diving Packages

Odoland Snorkel Set, Snorkeling Packages with Dry Top Diving Mask, Adjustable Swim Fins, Mesh Bag, Anti-Fog Anti-Leak Snorkeling Gear for Men Women Adult, Black L/XL

U.S. Divers Adult Cozumel Mask, Seabreeze II Snorkel, ProFlex Fins, and Gear Bag Set, Black, Medium/Large

Seavenger Diving Dry Top Snorkel Set with Trek Fin, Single Lens Mask and Gear Bag, S/M - Size 4.5 to 8.5, Gray/Dodger Blue

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Oceanic Society:

Who are the team members of Oceanic Society?

The team consists of staff, a board of directors, expedition naturalists, and whale watching naturalists. You can read their profiles here.

What are blue habits?

Blue habits are sustainable ocean-friendly behaviours. They include making responsible seafood choices, moving away from unsustainable fisheries, reducing our use of plastics, changing the ways we consume energy, and supporting businesses and politicians that fight for our oceans.

What is the Blue Habits program?

The Ocean Society’s Blue Habit program aims to bridge the gap between awareness and action. To achieve this, the society will:

Connect people to oceans through travel experiences
Define and implement strategies, tools, and methods to influence and monitor changes in human behaviour
Leverage and amplify their impacts to new consumer audiences

Visit Blue Habits to learn more about the program.

Where can I find more information about volunteering at the Oceanic Society?

To find more information about volunteer opportunities at the Oceanic Society, please visit the society’s website.

The Oceanic Society takes care of our oceans by working to prevent and reduce detrimental changes in nature and our oceans. Get involved in their programs to reduce plastic pollution, curb climate change, and save marine life. Additionally, you can make a small financial donation or adopt a marine species.

Image: Belize Tourism Board