Active Turtle Surveys (ATS) and Facial Recognition Project – Volunteers conduct snorkelling-based turtle surveys in the bay in front of Turtle Cove. They identify and photograph turtles, collect data on species, size, behaviour, and habitat use, and contribute to the ‘In-Water Turtle Sightings’ database. Volunteers will also use the images of turtle facial patterns to help build a local and global database on the Internet of Turtles to allow researchers to track population trends and movement patterns over time.

Seagrass Monitoring – Volunteers survey seagrass meadows, a vital foraging ground for Green Turtles, assessing density, health, and biodiversity to monitor environmental changes affecting marine ecosystems.

Beach & Ocean Cleans – Regular coastal and snorkelling-based clean-ups help remove marine debris and plastic pollution from turtle habitats. Data is logged in the ‘CleanSwell’ app to contribute to global waste research.

Artificial Reef (AR) Construction & Coral Planting – In collaboration with the Marine Conservation Program, volunteers engage in artificial reef maintenance and out-of-water coral planting sessions, learning coral restoration methodologies.

Self-Directed Learning & Lectures – Volunteers participate in workshops and discussions covering topics such as:

• Turtle biology, physiology, and behaviour

• Marine ecology & conservation strategies

• Waste management & ocean pollution

• Coral reef restoration techniques

• Climate change, El Niño, and human impacts on marine ecosystems

Eco-Bricks & Waste Management – Volunteers repurpose non-recyclable plastic into eco-bricks for sustainable construction projects, reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.

Bamboo Straws Project – To combat single-use plastics, volunteers harvest and craft bamboo straws, distributing them to local businesses and communities as a sustainable alternative.

Malagasy Language & Cultural Lessons – Volunteers have the opportunity to learn Malagasy, improving communication with local community members and conservation partners.

Scientific Paper Group Discussions – Volunteers analyze and discuss new marine conservation research, exploring how findings can be applied to MRCI’s conservation strategies.

Ampohana Activities

In Ampohana, in addition to the above activities, volunteers take part in specialised nesting and community engagement projects:

Beach Patrols for Nesting & Hatching Turtles – Volunteers conduct hourly patrols during high tide to identify new turtle nests, monitor nesting behaviour, and protect hatchlings.

Turtle Nesting Observations & Data Collection – Volunteers assist in recording species, nest location, environmental factors, and predation risks, sharing data with the Olive Ridley Project and Wildlife Conservation Society.

Turtle Tracking Skills – Volunteers learn to identify and interpret animal tracks from turtles, crabs, dogs, and other wildlife, essential for nesting site monitoring and habitat protection.

Turtle Nest Excavations & Hatchling Success Surveys – After hatchlings emerge, volunteers conduct nest excavations to record hatching success rates, deformities, and evidence of predation.

Turtle Nest Protection – Volunteers take an active role in protecting nests, which may include constructing barriers, monitoring temperature conditions, and relocating at-risk nests.

English Teaching & Marine Biology Lessons – At the Ampohana school, volunteers teach English with a marine conservation focus, raising awareness about turtle conservation, marine ecosystems, and sustainability.

Nesting Activities on Nosy Komba When Needed

While most turtle nesting activities occur in Ampohana, when we receive reports of nesting turtles or active nests on Nosy Komba, volunteers will conduct nesting surveys, data collection, and protection efforts there as well. This ensures that conservation work is not restricted to a single location and can respond dynamically to turtle activity in the region.

Nosy Komba, a charming island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, is known for its lush greenery, stunning beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Often referred to as “Lemur Island,” it is home to a thriving population of lemurs that roam freely. The island’s picturesque villages are inhabited by friendly locals who practice traditional Malagasy crafts and fishing. Our location is fairly remote, being a 30 minute hike over rocky terrain or accessible by boat.