Aitutaki from the air. Photo Credit Cook Islands Tourism and Ewan Smith

The Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project is an ongoing research project using eco-volunteers to survey and report on the health of the lagoon environment.

Small groups of 10 eco-volunteers will embark on a 6 week mission to survey the Aitutaki lagoon. Each expedition builds on the work done of the previous expeditions to contribute to an ongoing report that is used by the people of Aitutaki to better understand and manage their environment.

All participants will learn to dive, and learn to apply in water survey techniques using scuba, snorkelling and reef walks while living on a remote motu (islet) in a self contained lodge.

Aitutaki has been made famous as the set for movies and tv shows including Shipwrecked and Survivour.

The Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project has its base on the motu of Akaiami. The project is housed in Akaiami Lodge, a basic homestead on a stunning deserted beach. Each day volunteers will awaken to the long shadows of the coconut palms extending out over the crystal water and in the evening, watch the sun set off the beach with the golden hues reflected in the water.

You love everything about the ocean – the waves, the reefs, the lifestyle. Your perfect day is a day spent in the water. You are passionate about conserving the marine environment for future generations and willing to make sacrifices in order to do so. You are not above hard work for a good cause. You are excited to continue your education in marine science. You realize that reading from textbooks is a good place to start, but that nothing can replace hands-on field experience. You do not want to sit and watch as life passes you by. You want to change the world, but don’t know where to begin. Begin with the Aitutaki Lagoon Monitoring Project.