The goal of the Whales, Dolphins and Marine Megafauna internship program is to combine research, conservation, and education to raise awareness about marine ecosystems and issues in Plettenberg Bay and use scientific studies to help inform management in this unique marine environment.
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. These will be both boat-based and land-based activities that involve hiking, snorkeling, observation from boats, responding to strandings, and visiting local schools. You'll gain valuable experience collecting data using a variety of field research methods during these activities that will then be entered into the database. You will meet a network of people involved in marine conservation and research in South Africa and beyond.
A typical week may include:
beach surveys which include tracking shark egg cases and cataloguing marine megafauna, dolphin and whale watching from boats, data counts, river surveys, snorkel trips, data entry, animal surveys from peninsula to track sharks, seabirds, and marine mammals, beach clean ups, responding to marine mammal strandings or mortality events, and community outreach
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 focus areas that are currently being focused on at the research station.
Research Methods:
Species identification: Learn to identify species of whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, turtles, rays and seabirds, distinguishing between males and female or adults and juveniles
Scientific Photography: Taking photos of dolphins and whale fins for individual analysis and tracking
Camera System Deployment: assist in deploying a camera system known as Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs)
Video Footage Screening: Code videos for the presence of sharks and rays
Research Areas:
Establish the population dynamics, biodiversity and community structure of the elasmobranch (sharks and rays) population
Determine the distribution and movement of marine animals and monitor their population size
Investigate human-wildlife interactions and the impact of tourism vessels and shore anglers in a marine protected area
Assess essential water quality parameters such as salinity and water temperature to gain insights into the estuary ecosystem of the Keurbooms river
Delineate breeding ground for juvenile organisms to help support conservation efforts
Developing methods to increase the education of local students about the marine environment in Plettenberg Bay, with specific emphasis on water safety, sharks, and marine mammals
General 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
Plettenberg Bay, often called “Plett” is a town of about 30,000 people on the Southern Coast of South Africa. It is home to tremendous biodiversity and beautiful coastal areas. This beauty makes it a tourist destination, too. Several rivers empty into the bay creating estuaries with unique species, like the Knysna sea horse. Seabirds, dolphins, sharks, whales, and seals all can be found in this area of the Indian Ocean.
How does housing and food work?
The interns will share a house that is located walking distance to the town of Plettenberg Bay. The house has several rooms and has a shared kitchen, maid service, laundry, and wifi. 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.
Snorkeling equipment 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 project is a life changing experience! The people and the culture that I’ve got to know there are amazing and I can’t put into words how much I have grown by doing this.”
- Luisa -
“I got to experience everything I hoped for and more. I loved how diverse this project was and had great fun engaging in all the various activities, from ocean conservation to working in the community and with animals. I definitely had one of the best times in my life and got to meet amazing people along the way. “
Research Methods:
Research Areas:
