Marine Conservation Programs on Koh Tao
Become a Master Conservationist: Lead the Way in Marine Conservation
Completion of the Conservation Specialist and Reef Specialist programs (28 Days) are prerequisites for this marine conservation 14-day program.
Take your marine conservation journey to the highest level with our Master Conservationist program, a 2-week expert-level course designed for those who have completed the Conservation Specialist and Reef Specialist programs.
Master Conservationist Program Schedule
This program combines advanced scientific training with participation in cutting-edge research projects, offering a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems and the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts.
Master Conservationist Core Modules
Black Turtle Dive Giant Clams: Dive into the biology, behavior, and ecological importance of giant clams while participating in in-house research aimed at understanding and protecting these remarkable species.
Black Turtle Dive Cleaning Interactions: Explore the fascinating relationships between cleaning organisms and their hosts, contributing to our ongoing research on this crucial ecological behavior.
Coral Predators: Population Management & Monitoring: Study the impact of coral predators on reef health, learning to identify species and assess their effects on coral ecosystems.
Sharks Ecology & Population Studies: Gain insight into the ecology, behavior, and conservation of sharks, including their critical role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Independent Project
Take your Independent Project to the next level by incorporating advanced techniques and a more in-depth focus on your chosen topic.
This stage provides the opportunity to refine your work, apply specialized methodologies, and produce impactful outcomes that support marine conservation efforts, whether through research, education, or practical applications.
Additional Dives
Practice and Research: The six additional dives are designed to provide opportunities for further research and practice. You’ll apply scientific methods, conservation techniques, and the advanced knowledge gained throughout the program, allowing you to consolidate your skills in real-world settings.
This program represents the pinnacle of marine conservation training at Black Turtle Dive, offering unparalleled opportunities to participate in in-house research projects and gain expert-level skills.
Join us to deepen your expertise, contribute to impactful conservation work, and become a leader in protecting marine ecosystems.
Included in Our Master Conservationist 14 Day Program
- 12 Conservation Dives
- 2 Conservation Diver Certification:
- Coral Predator: Population management & Monitoring
- Sharks Ecology & Population Studies
- 2 Black Turtle Dive Certifications
- Black Turtle Dive Giant Clams
- Black Turtle Dive Cleaning Interactions
- Rental of full set of premium Aqualung scuba equipment
- FREE use of a Suunto dive computer
- Logbook
- Maximum 4 students per Conservation Diver Instructor
- Black Turtle Dive Customer Promise
+ 2 weeks – MASTER CONSERVATIONIST: 30.000 THB
6 WEEKS Package
Conservation Specialist + Reef Specialist + Master Conservationist Triple Package
88,000 THB
** The offer applies when the full pack is reserved at the time of booking.
Master Conservationist Internship: What You Will Learn
Are you a passionate and experienced scuba diver with a deep-seated commitment to marine conservation? Do you dream of leading the way in research and conservation efforts, contributing to the protection of vital marine ecosystems, and inspiring others to join the cause?
If so, our 14-day Master Conservationist program on Koh Tao is the ultimate opportunity to elevate your skills, knowledge, and impact as a marine conservationist.
This comprehensive program combines advanced training, hands-on research experience, and specialized certifications, empowering you to become a leader in the field of marine conservation.
You’ll delve into the fascinating worlds of giant clams, coral predators, and sharks, master ecological monitoring techniques, and design and conduct your own independent research project, all while exploring the breathtaking underwater world of Koh Tao.
Koh Tao: Your Living Laboratory
Koh Tao, aptly named “Turtle Island,” is a diver’s paradise renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and thriving conservation community. With its warm, clear waters and abundant biodiversity, Koh Tao provides an unparalleled setting for your marine conservation journey.
How to Get to Koh Tao
Reaching Koh Tao from Bangkok is easy. You can choose from several convenient options:
Fly: Take a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui (USM) and then hop on a ferry to Koh Tao.
Train: Travel overnight by train from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani and then connect to a ferry to Koh Tao.
Bus and Ferry: Combine a bus journey from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani with a ferry transfer to Koh Tao.
Koh Tao’s Weather
Koh Tao enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. However, diving is possible throughout the year, with water temperatures averaging a comfortable 26-29°C (79-84°F).
Your Master Conservationist Journey
Our 14-day program is designed to challenge and inspire you, providing the tools and knowledge to become a leader in marine conservation. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what awaits you:
Day 1: Free Time
Day 2: Black Turtle Dive Giant Clam Ecology and Identification
Begin your journey by delving into the fascinating world of giant clams, learning about their biology, ecological importance, and the threats they face.
Discover the different giant clam species found in Koh Tao’s waters and learn how to identify them based on their shell morphology, mantle patterns, and habitat preferences.
Understand the role of giant clams in reef ecosystems, including their contribution to water quality and their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae.
Afternoon: Giant Clam Survey Dive
Embark on a survey dive to observe giant clams in their natural habitat, applying your newfound identification skills to document their distribution, size, and health.
Learn how to conduct standardized surveys and collect data on giant clam populations, contributing to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Giant Clam Survey Dive
Learn about various research techniques used to study giant clams, including tagging, photo identification, and surveys.
Understand the importance of research in informing conservation decisions and protecting giant clam populations.
Evening: Debriefing and Discussion
Review the day’s findings, discuss challenges encountered during the survey, and share your observations with fellow conservationists.
Engage in discussions about the importance of giant clam conservation and the role of citizen science in monitoring their populations.
Day 3: Independent Project and EMP Dives
Morning: Independent Project – Introduction and Planning
Continue developing and refining the independent research project you began in the Conservation Specialist and Reef Specialist programs.
Use this time to expand on your project, incorporating new research findings and enhancing your methodologies.
Consult with your instructors to receive guidance and support in improving your project.
Conduct a literature review, building on the work you’ve done previously and identifying further knowledge gaps in your chosen topic.
Afternoon: EMP Dives
Participate in two EMP dives, focusing on different aspects of the reef ecosystem, such as fish populations, invertebrate diversity, or substrate composition.
Keep practicing how to conduct standardized surveys, identify key species, and collect data using scientific methods.
Contribute to ongoing research projects and gain valuable experience in underwater data collection.
Evening: Debriefing and Data Review
Review the data collected during the EMP dives, learning how to interpret results and draw meaningful conclusions.
Discuss the importance of monitoring different aspects of the reef ecosystem for understanding coral reef health and resilience.
Day 4: Morning: Data Review and Analysis
Review and analyze data collected from previous dives and surveys, including EMP data and giant clam monitoring data.
Learn how to interpret results, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Discuss activities, share your experiences with different techniques, and continue working on your independent research project.
Afternoon: Study Time and Project Work
Dedicate time to self-study and online learning modules, reinforcing your knowledge of marine ecology, conservation strategies, and research methods.
Continue working on your independent research project, refining your research question and methodology.
Day 5: Free Time
Day 6: Cleaning Station Ecology and Identification
Morning: Cleaning Station Ecology
Dive into the fascinating world of cleaning stations, where fish and other marine creatures visit to have parasites and dead skin removed.
Understand the symbiotic relationships between cleaner fish and their clients, and the importance of cleaning stations for maintaining healthy reef ecosystems.
Afternoon: Cleaning Station Identification and Survey
Learn how to identify different cleaner fish species and their client fish, observing their unique behaviors and interactions.
Conduct surveys to document cleaning station activity, collecting data on species involved, frequency of interactions, and cleaning station health.
Second of two dives to learn how to identify different cleaner fish species and their client fish, observing their unique behaviors and interactions.
Conduct surveys to document cleaning station activity, collecting data on species involved, frequency of interactions, and cleaning station health.
Evening: Debriefing and Discussion
Review the day’s findings, discuss challenges encountered during the survey, and share your observations with fellow conservationists.
Engage in discussions about the ecological importance of cleaning stations and the threats they face.
Day 7: Morning: Data Review and Analysis
Review and analyze data collected from the cleaning stations surveys.
Learn how to interpret results, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Discuss activities, share your experiences with different techniques, and continue working on your independent research project.
Afternoon: Two Research Dives
Embark on two research dives to explore a specific area of interest, potentially collecting data for your independent project or assisting with ongoing research initiatives.
Apply your knowledge of marine ecology and survey techniques to contribute to real-world conservation efforts.
Independent Project – Data Collection
Continue collecting data for your independent research project, applying the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout the week.
Conduct surveys, observations, or experiments relevant to your research question.
Evening: Debriefing and Project Refinement
Review the day’s findings, discuss challenges encountered during the two research dives, and share your progress with fellow conservationists.
Refine your research project based on your findings and feedback from instructors.
Day 8: Coral Predators and Identification
Morning: Coral Predator Ecology and Identification
Dive into the world of coral predators, learning about their diverse forms, functions, and ecological roles.
Discover the importance of predators in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems, but also understand the threats they can pose when their populations become unbalanced.
Learn how to identify key coral predator species, such as crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails.
Afternoon: Two Coral Predator Survey Dives
Embark on two survey dives to observe and document coral predators in their natural habitat, applying your newfound identification skills to assess their abundance and distribution.
Contribute to ongoing research projects and gain valuable experience in monitoring coral predator populations.
Evening: Debriefing and Discussion
Review the day’s findings, discuss challenges encountered during the survey, and share your observations with fellow conservationists.
Engage in discussions about the ecological role of coral predators and the importance of monitoring their populations for reef health.
Day 9: Free Time
Day 10: Morning: Independent Project Development
Review and analyze data collected from previous dives and surveys, including research dives, EMP dives, giant clam surveys, and cleaning station surveys.
Learn how to interpret results, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
Independent Project – Data Analysis and Interpretation
Focus on analyzing and interpreting the data you’ve collected for your independent research project.
Draw conclusions from your findings and start preparing your presentation, summarizing your research and its implications for marine conservation.
Afternoon: Shark Ecology and Conservation Lecture
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of sharks, learning about their biology, behavior, ecological importance, and the threats they face.
Discover the different shark species found in Koh Tao’s waters and understand their role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
Discuss the challenges facing shark populations, including overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change, and explore conservation strategies to protect these magnificent creatures.
Afternoon: Shark Survey Preparation
Prepare for the upcoming shark surveys, learning about survey methods, safety protocols, and responsible shark diving practices.
Discuss the importance of ethical and sustainable shark tourism and how divers can contribute to shark conservation efforts.
Day 11: Shark Survey and Data Analysis
Morning: Shark Survey
Embark on a thrilling shark survey dive or snorkel, observing and documenting shark behavior and abundance in their natural habitat.
Apply your knowledge of shark identification and survey techniques to contribute to ongoing research and monitoring efforts.
Afternoon: Data Analysis and Interpretation
Review and analyze the data collected during the shark survey, learning how to interpret results and draw meaningful conclusions about shark populations and behavior.
Discuss the implications of your findings for shark conservation and management.
Share your experiences and observations from the shark survey with fellow conservationists.
Engage in discussions about the challenges and rewards of shark conservation and the role of divers in protecting these apex predators.
Review the day’s learning materials, discuss your expectations for the shark surveys, and share your thoughts and concerns about shark conservation.
Day 12: Independent Project and Research Dives
Morning: Independent Project – Data Collection and Analysis
Continue collecting data for your independent research project, applying the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout the program.
Analyze your data, draw conclusions, and prepare your final presentation, summarizing your research and its implications for marine conservation.
Afternoon: Two Research Dives
Embark on another two research dives, potentially focusing on a different aspect of your independent project or assisting with ongoing research initiatives.
Apply your advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to real-world conservation efforts.
Evening: Debriefing and Project Refinement
Review the day’s findings, discuss challenges encountered during the research dive, and share your progress with fellow conservationists.
Refine your research project based on your findings and feedback from instructors.
Day 13: Independent Project and Presentation Preparation
Morning: Independent Project – Finalization
Finalize your independent research project, ensuring all data is analyzed, conclusions are drawn, and the presentation is polished.
Practice your presentation delivery, receiving feedback and support from your diving instructors and peers.
Afternoon: Presentation Preparation and Q&A
Continue refining your presentation materials, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and visual appeal.
Engage in a Q&A session with your instructors, clarifying any remaining questions and solidifying your knowledge.
Day 14: Independent Project Presentations
Morning: Independent Project Presentations
Present your independent research findings to your peers and instructors, showcasing your research skills and contributing to the collective knowledge of marine conservation.
Receive feedback and engage in discussions about your research, exploring potential applications and future directions.
Afternoon: Review key concepts and prepare for the final exam, covering all aspects of the program, including marine ecology, survey techniques, species identification, coral predators, sharks, and conservation strategies.
Reflect on your experiences and the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the program.
Engage in a final Q&A session with your instructors, clarifying any remaining questions and solidifying your knowledge.
Afternoon: Personal Development Session
Participate in a personal development session, discussing your future goals, career paths in marine conservation, and how to continue making a difference.
Receive guidance and support from your instructors in planning your next steps in your conservation journey.
Afternoon: Final Exams
Complete the final exam, demonstrating your comprehensive understanding of marine conservation principles and practices.
Discuss your future plans and how you can continue your involvement in marine conservation, whether through further education, volunteering, or pursuing a career in this rewarding field.
Beyond the Master Conservationist Program
Our Master Conservationist program is not just a 14-day experience; it’s a transformative journey that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and passion to become a leader in marine conservation.
We’ll provide you with ongoing support, resources, and guidance to continue your involvement in research and conservation efforts, connect with local and global organizations, and inspire others to join the movement to protect our oceans.
Join the Master Conservationist Movement
Are you ready to take your passion for marine conservation to the next level and become a Master Conservationist? Join our Black Turtle Dive 14-day program on Koh Tao and lead the way in protecting our oceans.
MASTER CONSERVATIONIST: 30,000 THB
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Master Conservationist Program in Thailand?
Take your marine conservation journey to the highest level with our Master Conservationist program, a 2-week expert-level course designed for those who have completed the Conservation Specialist and Reef Specialist programs.
This program combines advanced scientific training with participation in cutting-edge research projects, offering a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems and the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts.
What is the cost of the Master Conservationist 14 Day program?
The cost of our Master Conservationist program is 30,000 THB.
This program combines advanced scientific training with participation in cutting-edge research projects, offering a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems and the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts.
Upon completion of the Conservation Specialist Conservation program, you will have completed 12 conservation training dives and earned 2 Conservation Diver certifications and 2 Black Turtle Dive certificates.
How long does the Master Conservationist Program last for?
Our Master Conservationist program is a 2-week advanced course designed to build upon the skills and knowledge gained in the Reef Specialist program.
This Master Conservationist course focuses on Giant Clams, marine life cleaning stations, sharks, independent project and EMP dives, while continuing to refine your practical skills and research capabilities.
Completion of the Conservation Specialist and Reef Specialist programs are a prerequisite for this course.
What is the minimum age for the Master Conservationist Program?
The minimum age to enrol on our Master Conservationist program is 12 years of age.
This program is ideal for anyone interested in conservation, whether you’re taking your first steps into the field or looking to deepen your understanding of marine ecosystems. It’s also a great way to experience the camaraderie and support of a like-minded community.
Can you get a certificate for the Master Conservationist Program?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the Master Conservationist 14 day program , you will receive 2 Conservation Diver certifications and 2 Black Turtle Dive Certificates.
Join us for two weeks of diving, learning, and personal growth, and become an active contributor to marine conservation efforts!
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