Conservation Internship Detail

 
This marine research centre is located directly on the beachfront of the Atlantic Ocean in the Sea Point area of Cape Town. The centre is a maze of research tanks and labs containing a number of marine species, well equipped to handle a wide variety of marine research programmes. There are approximately 16 scientists located at the centre performing, in the main, government funded research projects in the cultivation of different marine animals. The building is also set up to accommodate Arctic seals that surround the shores of the Atlantic ocean that have become lost and washed up on Cape Shores.
All the data from marine experiments is recorded and eventually published in journals, with the possibility that your name could be listed on the final published work - a fantastic opportunity to get your work published alongside professional scientists. As an intern you will be working alongside and mentored by one of the professional scientists. The type of studies will be dependent on what is being researched at the centre at that time. However, recent interns have worked on the development of a method that would control certain variables so that sea urchins could be grown from larvae to adult. Other examples include the cultivation of squid and other species, research of the new Abalone disease and the study of algae that has lead to fatal food poisoning. As an intern you will be working in the laboratories on a daily basis in setting up and conducting experiments, examples include checking water quality to make sure that the experiments run smoothly.

Placement Spotlight - Table Mountain National Park Marine Conservation

TMNP encompasses the stunning Table Mountain chain, world renowned for its natural beauty and unique diversity of fauna and flora. The park includes 1,000 sq km of coastline around the Cape peninsular. In 2004 TMNP created the Marine Protected Area (MPA) to help ensure that commercial and recreational use of the marine areas is sustainable. Fishing in the coastal areas of the Cape is now subject to permits, regulations and seasons. The 16-strong team are dedicated to the challenge of combating poaching and the education of local fishing communities about sustainable fishing.
On this placement Interns will participate in all aspects of the day-to-day activities conducted by the Marine Team. Examples include patrolling protected waters, monitoring fishing quotas and wildlife populations, checking permits, tracking poachers, and assisting with marine or land-based research. You will spend most of your time outdoors on the sea, in one of the world's most breathtaking cities.