PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Despite the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Orca Foundation (Ocean Research Conservation Africa) has continued its marine conservation efforts in Plettenberg Bay.
"We're pleased to report that the marine conservation foundation Orca has been able to continue its work throughout the past two years and is welcoming international volunteers back to the shores of Plettenberg Bay to assist with marine research, conservation, and education. In fact, the foundation has been fully booked with volunteers for the past two months," the Orca team said in a statement.
Foundation manager Jared Harding said the next step is planning for 2022. "I think 2022 will be a great year as the bookings are coming in nicely from most of the agencies that we work with.
At this stage, we have Melissa Nel who has been doing a great job as volunteer coordinator/research assistant and the past two months, we have brought in a house manager as well as a second coordinator - on a casual basis - until we can guarantee the Orca Foundation having volunteers.
Dr Chantel Elston is still part of our team and oversees the research of the Orca Foundation as well as working on her 'post doc' and, hopefully, when her funding is up, she will join our team officially," Harding said.
He also thanked everybody who supported them over the past two years.
The Orca Foundation, a conservation node of Ocean Blue Adventures, was originally designed to create awareness about marine conservation issues facing Plettenberg Bay. The foundation combines research, conservation and education into a comprehensive volunteer programme.
Volunteers of different ages and backgrounds across the globe travel to learn and provide valuable assistance in a range of meaningful projects that could include hiking, responding to animal strandings and visiting local schools.
Orca is involved in a number of marine research projects, making it desirable for those interested in marine mammal research.
By assisting foundation biologists in the field, volunteers can gain valuable experience in boat- and land-based field research methods involving some of Plettenberg Bay's top marine predators.
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