Each month there will be several days when the tides are low enough to expose the seagrass bed. During this time, volunteers will carry out their work within two hours before the tide rises. The activities are : 1) seahorse and piepfish survey, 2) mapping and monitoring of seagrass bed, 3) seagrass invertebrates survey, 4) marine education awareness activities
Mapping and monitoring seagrass bed using transect and quadrats. Photo credit: Serina & Effendy Rahman
Alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus A yellow female Spotted Seahorse, H. kuda and tagging seahorses using visual implant fluorescent elastomer
Briefing will be conducted one hour before departure from the jetty. This is important because you need to be able to learn the techniques associated with the surveys e.g. using GPS, distinguishing seahorse sexes, recognize the different seagrass and invertebrates species, get familiar with data recording sheet etc. Check out our survey schedule to see briefing will be held and download the volunteers' handbook in publications.
Getting there
Driving
If you are driving from Johor Bahru, it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Gelang Patah. Upon arrival at Gelang Patah, follow the signboard to Pendas (23 km). You can either use the highway (15 minutes) or the old road (20 minutes). See map below:
Public transport
From Larkin bus station, take public bus to Gelang Patah (around 40 minutes: RM3.30 per person). Upon reaching Gelang Patah bus station (final stop), take a cab to Pendas Jetty (around 20 minutes: RM15-20 per trip - Our default taxi driver En. Hashim 012-7321357).
Boat transport fees will be covered by SOS. Please contact the program coordinator if you are unsure about the itinerary.
Accomodation
SOS research station is located some 3 km from the Pendas Jetty. If the survey start on the early morning and you are coming from afar, we advise you to stay at our research station on previous night. Our research station is back to the basic, but with washroom and changing room. Mats are provided so do bring along your sleeping bag and small pillow if you need one.
A view of SOS research station. (picture courtesy of Lau, CF)
What to wear and prepare?
If you have a pair of booties (designed for diving purpose), bring them along. SOS have limited number of booties and the minimum and maximum foot sizes are 7 and 9 respectively. Slippers and sandals do not offer adequate protection for your foot so please don't wear them. A T-shirt and track bottom or shorts will do during the field activities. Do bring extra clothes because you are likely to get wet during the survey.
Eligibilities
You must be:
i) at least 18 years old and above
ii) physically fit, preferably able to swim
iii) possess at least a SPM, GCE qualification or its equivalent
iv) passionate about conserving our environment
Participate as a Volunteer
Our program is normally held on a monthly basis. The field activities are in accordance with low tide. Please check our survey schedule.
To book the slot which fits you best, we encouraged you to register online. Alternatively you may make the booking by calling Mr. NG Wei Soon at 0126340988 (AFTER office hour please) or Email: saveourseahorses@yahoo.com.
For long term volunteer, please fill out the application form : Info for long term volunteer
To learn about our activities in more details, please download our volunteers handbook.
