What Will You Do?

Support coastal conservation efforts by removing shoreline litter and preventing land-based debris from entering the ocean.

During this project, you’ll:

✪ Clean the Coastline

• Join the dive shop team for weekly beach clean-ups focused on collecting plastic, packaging, and other litter
• Help reduce the flow of land-based pollution into the marine environment

✪ Understand Coastal Pollution

• Learn how shoreline debris impacts marine life, coral reefs, and coastal communities
• Explore the connection between everyday waste and ocean health

✪ Build Community and Awareness

• Work alongside fellow eco-conscious interns and dive professionals
• Be part of a growing community committed to protecting Koh Tao’s natural environment

What Will You Do?

Deepen your understanding of coral species and their ecology while gaining practical skills in identification and underwater survey techniques.

During this project, you’ll:

✪ Learn About Coral Species and Ecology

• Gain detailed knowledge of coral taxonomy, reproductive biology, disease and other threats impacting coral reefs

✪ Conduct Underwater Identification Surveys

• Participate in survey dives using transect lines and underwater slates
• Accurately identify coral species based on physical characteristics and structural growth forms
• Observe and document signs of coral disease, bleaching, and other ecological indicators

✪ Collect and Document Data

• Record species type, health condition, and signs of stress or disease during surveys
• Contribute valuable data to ongoing coral research and conservation efforts

What Will You Do?

Our Coral Monitoring project turns local reef monitoring into a global contribution.

During this project, you’ll:

✪ Learn & Understand Coral Reefs

• Attend lectures on coral reef biology and ecology
• Explore key threats to coral reefs and current conservation strategies

✪ Conduct Scientific Underwater Surveys

• Join reef monitoring dives around Koh Tao
• Use the citizen science software: CoralWatch
• Observe and assess coral health based on colour and condition

✪ Collect & Contribute Real Data

• Use underwater slates to record observations
• Identify coral types and evaluate their size and health
• Upload your data to the CoralWatch global database

✪ Support Long-Term Conservation

• Play an active role in monitoring coral reef ecosystems around Koh Tao
• Help track changes in coral health over time

What Will You Do?

Take part in hands-on coral restoration work while learning the science and strategy behind reef recovery. Help restore local reef areas and support long-term marine conservation.

During this project, you’ll:

✪ Learn Coral Restoration Techniques

• Attend lectures on coral ecology, restoration methods, and Thai marine conservation laws
• Explore the science behind coral propagation, transplantation, and ecosystem recovery

✪ Get Hands-On with Reef Restoration

Participate in practical restoration activities such as:

• Cleaning and maintaining artificial reef structures
• Identifying coral recruits and healthy fragments
• Attaching coral fragments to structures using epoxy or cable ties
• Assist in transplanting coral fragments onto natural reef sites
• Contribute to the recovery and expansion of local reef ecosystems

What Will You Do?

Build key survey skills while learning how to identify different fish species and understand their vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

During this project, you’ll:

✪ Fish, Fish, Fish!

• Study fish family traits, behaviours, and how different species interact with their environment
• Understand the important role fish play in keeping ecosystems and food webs balanced

✪ Conduct Fish Identification Surveys

• Join survey dives using slates and transect lines to record fish sightings
• Practice identifying species by body shape, size, colouration, and behaviour

✪ Collect and Contribute Data

• Survey and record fish species along with their population density across various dive locations
• Contribute to ongoing monitoring efforts that help track changes in local reef fish populations

What Will You Do?

Explore the last remaining mangrove forest on Koh Tao and contribute to its protection through hands-on conservation and education efforts.

During this project, you’ll:

✪ Learn About Mangrove Ecosystems

• Attend workshops on mangrove biology, ecological functions, key threats, and conservation strategies
• Understand the role mangroves play in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and supporting marine biodiversity

✪ Conduct Field-Based Monitoring

• Join on-site surveys to assess mangrove health, structure, and species composition
• Take part in regular mangrove clean-ups to reduce pollution and human impact

✪ Support Coastal Conservation

• Collect and record ecological data to support local monitoring initiatives
• Help raise awareness among locals and tourists about the importance of mangrove ecosystems and how to protect them

What Will You Do?

Help protect coral ecosystems by monitoring and managing populations of harmful coral predators through targeted underwater surveys.

During this project, you’ll:

✪ Learn About Coral Predators

• Study key coral-eating species, such as Drupella snails and Crown-of-Thorns starfish
• Understand how predator outbreaks affect coral health and reef ecosystems

✪ Conduct Predator Density Surveys

• Participate in guided dives to locate and identify coral predators
• Use transect methods to assess predator abundance and distribution across reef sites

✪ Collect and Analyse Data

• Record predator sightings and population density during surveys
• Contribute data to support evidence-based predator control and coral reef conservation strategies

What Will You Do?

Take direct action to protect the ocean by removing marine debris and contributing valuable data to PADI AWARE’s global pollution research.

During this project, you’ll:

✪ Dive Against Debris

• • Join underwater clean-up dives focused on collecting plastic waste, fishing gear, and other marine debris
• • Practice safe and responsible debris removal techniques with professional guidance

✪ Understand the Impact of Marine Pollution

• • Learn about the sources and long-term effects of marine debris on ocean life
• • Explore how pollution connects to global ocean health and coastal ecosystems

✪ Contribute to Global Data

• • Record and categorise the types of debris collected during each dive
• • Upload your findings to the PADI AWARE database to support global marine pollution research and awareness