2 Week Marine Research Program

As a field assistant, become part of our team and assist with 6 key activities:
- Fisheries research
- Coral reef surveys
- Whale Shark and Manta ray mapping via drone surveys
- Sea turtle nesting patrols
- Teaching and painting at the local schools
- Teaching swimming lessons to the local children

We will start with training where you’ll learn about your next 2 weeks in Mozambique. We will refresh diving skills and learn new research skills. Then you will rotate around:

Coral reef surveys: You will be trained in our coral reef methodology and then conduct surveys on your dives or snorkels. This data is required to lobby a Marine Protected Area– one of our main goals.

Fisheries research: You’ll be collecting fisheries data which allows us to assess how sustainable local fisheries are. From these assessments, we’re determining minimum landing size for individual species, and changing certain fishing legislation.

Drone surveys: You’ll receive basic training on how to use DJI drones to map whale shark and manta ray presence. You’ll be working with a staff member to cover a grid section, specifically surveying wildlife sightings and behaviour types, following our established drone methodology.

Teaching and painting: You will assist our Community Outreach Manager at 2 local schools teaching 10-13 year olds about the marine environment. You’ll do this usually for 3-5 days during your time with us – it’s dependent on what the schools request.

Swimming: As part of your program you’ll assist our qualified swim teachers with lessons. We do this to improve water safety skills and reduce drownings, reducing fear and igniting passion for the marine environment in the younger generations.

Turtle patrols: Mozambique is home to 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles. We have a local team of beach patrols who we may join for patrols. If you’re lucky you’ll get to witness a hatching event, it's an incredible experience! If you join a program after March we won’t be doing this activity.

Our field assistants have Saturday mornings and Sundays to participate in optional extra activities such as surf lessons, sailing trips or just relaxing on the beach. We highly recommend joining us for a week safari to learn more about terrestrial conservation. Please enquire for more information.

This program can be used for university science and humanitarian internships, and for credit. If you’d like to join us for more than 2 weeks, please see our 5 week volunteering program also on this platform.