Supporting the management and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in Honduras Photos by George Stoyle    
 
   
Utila Centre for Marine Ecology
Search site
UCME is a Honduran registered non-governmental organisation that bridges the gap between applied scientific research and community based conservation.
Partnering with national and international Universities and regional Institutions, UCME conducts and supports progressive research to further our understanding of marine and island ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.

UCME also offers an exciting volunteer programme where participants work side by side with researchers and conservation specialists assisting in a range of projects investigating the dynamics of coral reefs and reef fisheries, monitoring the population and behaviour of whale sharks and cetaceans and assessing mangrove, seagrass and other tropical island habitats.


Coral reef Herbivory

Spawning Aggregations

Island Ecology

Algal Dynamics
Results from UCME research are easily accessible by local organisations, community groups and government agencies to help highlight conservation priorities, identify management requirements and target stakeholder lead initiatives. In so doing, academic science can be understood and used by the people who rely on the integrity of the fragile environment in which they live.

Diving

Experience Utila's world-class dive sites whilst learning about their intricate and increasingly fragile ecosystems

Marine Life

Discover the abundance of life beneath the waves, including whales sharks, dolphins, turtles and much much more

Ecology

Take part in our research projects looking at various aspects of tropical island ecology

Coral Reefs

Expand your awareness of Caribbean coral reefs and contribute to vital research into their ecology and regeneration

Utila

Relax and enjoy a tropical sunset after a hard but rewarding day's work

The Office

Work in our fully equipped, comfortable and spacious offices

Research Volunteer with UCME
Research at UCME focuses on identifying and studying the factors that create, maintain and influence the islands bio-diversity. Whilst the range of topics and types of investigations vary, the underlying philosophy remains consistent; that UCME investigations provide information which can guide management decisions and underpin effective conservation.

UCME is currently involved in research within the following areas:

Apply to volunteer at UCME

As a volunteer at UCME you will participate in a variety of diving, boat based, and terrestrial research activities currently being conducted at the centre. If not able to dive already you will be trained how to dive to internationally recognised standards and then given science training especially designed to teach you the skills you'll require to collect important datasets. You'll complete surveys on whale sharks and dolphin populations, take part in coral reef health appraisals, fisheries assessments, mangrove and seagrass studies, assisting biologists above and below the waves.

At UCME we have 6 main research areas; Megafauna; Reef Fisheries; Coral Reef Ecology; Mangrove Systems, Seagrass Ecology, and Island Ecology. Each is headed up by a programme leader, a biologist who oversees all aspects of the research programme.

Download the volunteer programme information pack for further information.



Read our Reponsible Travel Policy

Education Latest News
Building Capacity and Understanding...

UCME is dedicated to education at all levels, building capacity and understanding at all ages. We provide scholarships and bursaries to support Honduran national and Latin American students to study at the centre, we run open presentations on reef ecology and relevant local issues and are currently developing multimedia materials for schools and local businesses.

To find out more about UCME education programmes please contact us or visit our office.

Dynamic Partnership Brings Ground Breaking Marine & Coastal Resource Management Course to University Students in Honduras

Coastal Management Cooperation, Enforcement Key To Avoid Pending Crisis For Millions

Seagrass Ecosystems At A 'Global Crisis'

Resilience Science Is Promising Approach To Marine Conservation

British pair guilty of harassing dolphin

222 species of reef fish found in Utila's waters


Random Photo UCME Blog



Click here to visit the UCME Gallery

Stay current with our staff, interns & volunteers working on our various marine research projects.
  
 
 

Utila Centre for Marine Ecology, East Harbour, Utila, Honduras | | +5044253026
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy