The goal of this project is to catalogue, research, and monitor marine organisms and habitat in the largest marine reserve in South Africa. Then to use this research to help improve conservation practices and management policies for sharks, rays, turtles, coral reef organisms, rocky intertidal habitat, and thousands of species of fishes, corals, and other invertebrates.
What will I be doing?
This is a hands-on experiential internship. As an intern, you'll actively participate in research, conservation and education activities. This project involves scuba diving, snorkeling, and freediving and you can also earn your open water scuba certification during this internship. You will gain valuable experience collecting data using a variety of field research methods during these activities that will then be used for the research questions being answered at this research station. You will meet a network of people involved in marine conservation and research in South Africa and beyond.
A typical week may include:
performing underwater visual census surveys, processing underwater videos and photos, maintaining and deploying underwater cameras, monitoring coral cover and rocky intertidal indicators, learning fish and invertebrate identification, cataloguing marine megafauna, learning boat operation and maintenance, helping with beach clean ups, and participating in community outreach events
as with all field work, weather and local conditions play a role in the schedule and can lead to last minute changes in the planned activities
What will I learn?
Previous interns often tell us that the biggest impact of these internship programs are the increase in self-confidence, the ability to get out of your comfort zone, the cultural learning, and the friendships made.
Below, are the research methods and research areas that are currently being focused on at the project.
Research Methods:
Species identification: Learn to identify species of sharks, rays, turtles, marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates
Habitat health assessment: tracking water quality, live coral cover, sand stabilization
Camera System Deployment: assist in deploying camera systems such as Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs) and Remote Underwater Still Cameras
Video and Photo Coding: Watching collected data for the presence of sharks and rays
Research Areas:
Describe the general principles which govern marine ecosystem interactions
Document the spatial and temporal movements of sharks, rays and other endangered species in the marine park
Explain animal behavior and how it relates to physiological requirements, consumption, predation, and reproduction
Assess the impact of shore-based fishing on sharks and rays
Human dimension methods to improve education and outreach to the local Zulu community
What previous experience or skills do I need?
Strong interest in marine biology, research, conservation, education, and learning about other cultures Interns need to show enthusiasm, positivity, maturity, and independence, adaptability, and willingness to work in a team
The project is located in Sodwana Bay, a small rural town right on the coastline. The iSimangaliso marine park surrounds 100 miles of the coastline that you will be exploring during your internship.
How does housing and food work?
The interns will live at the research station in shared rooms. There is a small natural history museum, laboratory area, meeting rooms, common area for meals, and shared kitchen. There is laundry and wifi on site. Meals are included in the internships. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, or other allergies can be accommodated.
What’s included?
Transfer to the project, meals at the project, housing, all the research, educational, and cultural activities, wifi, laundry, local experts talking with the group, pre-departure support, a field study abroad t-shirt, and logistic support at the Johannesburg airport at your arrival and for your return flight home.
The domestic flight to the Eastern Coast of South, scuba equipment, and the open water course is also included for this project.
How can I get academic credit?
If you need academic credit, we will work with your university advisor or study abroad office. Generally, this internship will satisfy any field course or experiential learning requirement you might have. There is also an option to take a course through Michigan State University for credit.
You will also receive a certificate of completion from Field Study Abroad and post-trip resume help.
What did previous interns say?
“This was the absolute greatest trip I have ever taken and my most favorite place I have ever been. The reefs were the most beautiful I have ever seen. The people were fantastic and they will be in my heart and some of them hopefully in my life for the rest of my life. I never wanted to go home. This was the most perfect summer of my entire life, from running around everywhere barefoot, to smoothies at the cafe, and running at full speed into the Indian Ocean.”
- Meredith -
“Overall, this was the most fun I have had in a long time doing anything school related. I would recommend this trip to everyone, not just people who are interested in marine life. The people that I met and the connections that I made were amazing and this trip was worth every penny. I hope that I have the opportunity to go back to South Africa soon.”
Research Methods:
Research Areas:
