AWF Utila Marine is a volunteer led research project in the Caribbean, based on the small island of Utila, Honduras. This is the flagship project of what will become a global marine conservation network. 

The project focuses on three core areas; sharks, turtles and coral reefs. We conduct research so we can educate the world of the importance of these species and habitat. We invest in the local community, giving jobs to locals who want to get involved with our project, and we offer workshops for the local community to educate them and to get them involved in hands on conservation.

 Our work involves collaboration with locally run NGOs;

ü  We are involved in the research of whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. Our research includes photo ID, sexing, logging encounters as well as assisting in taking skin samples for DNA analysis.

ü  Using GIS mapping, we are producing coral maps that will be used to engage the local population, highlighting the areas that need sustainable management plans as well as delivering the message to the local government if they need to become protected areas so that the reef can regrow and flourish once more. 

ü  We are researching the Leatherback Turtle, which is the world´s largest turtle and 4biggest reptile, recording its nesting areas and migratory behavior.

We need as much support as possible; we cannot keep up our level of research and conservation without you. Please dig deep, and be happy in the knowledge that you are doing something to change the face of marine conservation worldwide.