Tropical Marine Conservation Internship
Programme overview
We have developed a cutting edge, ethical volunteer program that gives individuals the chance to get hands on conservation experience, working alongside our marine biologists doing research, community work and diving in Mozambique. Whether you are an early career scientist, need a break from your desk job, a gap year student or just passionate about marine conservation, volunteering with Love The Oceans will be a life-changing experience.
About the organisation
Love the Oceans is a non-profit marine conservation organisation working in Guinjata Bay, Mozambique since 2014. Guinjata Bay, whilst home to a huge host of marine life, has never been studied in depth for any prolonged amount of time. Love The Oceans is working to protect and study the diverse marine life found here, including many species of sharks, rays and the famous humpback whales. We use research, education and diving to drive action towards a more sustainable future. Our ultimate goal is to establish a Marine Protected Area for the Inhambane Province in Mozambique, achieving higher biodiversity whilst protecting endangered species.
About the programme
Love The Oceans is currently recruiting for our marine conservation research program in Mozambique.
As a Love The Oceans Field Assistant you will form a valuable part of our team. Our volunteers rotate around all our organisation’s activities so continuous data collection is possible which helps achieve our goals and our volunteers get experience in every part of our work so it’s a win-win situation! Love The Oceans’ mission is to establish a Marine Protected Area in Jangamo and our volunteers are crucial in making this happen.
Our accommodation is by the beach in Jangamo Bay, backpacker style with a max of 4 people per room (genders will be separated). You will be fully catered for, so you just need money for drinks, data and treats. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Running water/power is available, with the exception of a few cuts!
You will receive training by our qualified and experienced marine biologists and then continue helping out, contributing to long-term, hands-on research and hugely helping with conservation and community efforts in the area. You’ll walk away from this expedition with training and experience in:
- Conservation science training
- Scientific dive training
- Introduction to data handling
- Coral reef survey training
- Fisheries research
- Megafauna research – including building the first ID data base in the area for whale sharks, mantas and dolphins, and bioacoustic training with humpbacks and dolphins
- Ocean trash research & management training
- Ariel survey training (drone experience)
- Delivering environmental literacy training to 10-13 yr olds
- Helping improve local learning facilities (painting only)
- Supporting local instructors swimming lessons for local kids (4-18 yr olds)
- CV workshop and career planning
If you want to collect your dissertation data with us you can. As a volunteer you will have lifetime access to our historic data set so can use it in following years too across all research areas. Check out our video on a day in the life of a volunteer with Love The Oceans here.
The benefits of volunteering with Love the Oceans, don’t end when your programme does! After participating, you will be eligible to apply for our internship – a highly competitive program with 2 spots open per year – to accelerate your career. You will also have the opportunity to join the Love the Oceans Job Network where jobs within the marine industry are posted regularly and each Field Assistant will receive a reference to submit to any marine job.
Location
Mozambique is an ex-Portuguese colony so the widely spoken language across the country is Portuguese – the local dialect of our region is Bitonga. The rural location of our base means we’re part of a close knit community so you can expect to learn the names and recognise many of the people in our area. We’re in an incredibly friendly bay and it is considered impolite not to acknowledge (by waving or greeting) people you pass by. The atmosphere where we are is very positive due to the great work we do in our community and our reputation precedes us.
The climate is tropical, with two major seasons: the wet season, October – March and the dry season April – September. We’re based in the south of Mozambique and temperatures reach as high as 45°C in the wet season. In the dry season it can be cooler, particularly at night.
Duration
Four weeks, with a choice of start dates throughout the year.
Costs and pre-requisites
£1995.
Applicants must be studying or have studied a relevant degree area. Please enquire at info@lovetheoceans.org if you’re unsure if your degree is relevant to marine conservation. Not qualified? Don’t worry, you can apply for our Conservation Adventure Program or our 2 week program.
Applicants must be +18 on the time of arrival. We’re busy developing an under 18s program at the moment. Watch this space!
Applicants must be at least PADI Open Water qualified. If you are not Open Water qualified, it is possible to come and do your Open Water the week before your program starts at an extra cost. Please email info@lovetheoceans.org for details.
What’s included
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Jangamo Bay (35 nights)
- 3 meals a day (B/L/D)
- All snorkelling and diving required for the program
- Scientific dive training
- Diving kit hire
- Training, guidance and mentoring by the marine biologists and scientists at LTO
- Local cultural tour
- Love the Oceans T-shirt
- 24 hour on-site & UK office support
- Pre-departure and Visa support
How to apply
Find out more and apply to join the programme here.
