GET INTENSIVE WORK EXPERIENCE IN MARINE RESEARCH ON A STUNNING ISLAND
Grab the opportunity to acquire intensive internship experience in marine research in an incredible location – the paradisal island in Mozambique. We are inviting aspiring environmental or marine scientists to apply in an internship program that will take you to the perfect setting for marine life studies and contribute to its conservation.
Part of your role as a marine research intern is to gather data on the rich ecosystem in Mozambique, and to discover and monitor marine animals such as manta rays, turtles, dolphins and whales.You’ll be working alongside our team of driven environmentalists and scientists who are dedicatedly operating ingenious research programs in this part of the Indian Ocean, aiming to get a greater understanding of the habitat, and protecting the marine ecosystems. Significantly, you will relish every moment spent on the island, as you immerse yourself daily in this extraordinary culture and environment. You’ll get the delight of walking along pristine white sandy beaches, scuba diving, swimming amongst the colorful fishes, and discovering one of the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world.
- The valuable learnings
- Actual field experience in marine environment research, survey, and analysis
- An in-depth knowledge of the marine conservation challenges in the Indian Ocean
- Build meaningful relationship in the marine science field
- A comprehensive awareness of marine conservation’s multifaceted nature
- Understand how marine science is all-important in understanding the vulnerability of the ecosystems
- Master using diving in marine research as a technical tool
DESTINATION
Anyone will love the simple yet exotic beauty of Tofo – from its rough and ready preserved beaches and turquoise waters, to its rich culture and vibrant sea life. Tofo, found in Southern Mozambique, is a popular destination for elite scuba-diving with its wide stretch of pristine white sand beaches bordered by palm trees. This is also a top spot for sea giant sightings – sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and other large marine creatures.
Yet, these creatures are not free from possible threats and danger, like from exploitation and changes related to human interaction and tourism. Thus studies on reef and species degradation are very significant as they contribute to stakeholders and the governments’ improvement efforts on the creation of protected areas and their legislative protection. Volunteers have a significant role in collecting vital information concerning these threatened marine creatures and in the conservation attempts happening in Tofo.
ACCOMMODATION
Tofo – Inhambane Province, Southern Mozambique – is a little charming fisherman village that houses the Research Station. The Volunteer House is within Casa Barry Lodge allowing the volunteers to stay in shared accommodations, 5 rooms for 2 persons each, same gender occupancy.
Wake up each day to the magnificent view of the entire bay from the volunteer house’s terrace, enjoy whale watching, take stunning sunset pictures, stretch out your legs and relax, savoring the incredible scenery in front of you, or go to the beach which is just a two-step away from the house! You’ll find the complete amenities of the Research Station – a science lab, a scientific library, an office area, 2 boats for research trips, and a garden with a swimming pool. You can also utilize the gears provided and go surfboarding, surf skiing, and kitesurfing in your free time!
MEALS
An on-site restaurant will be preparing fresh-cooked meals for you, by the beach, three times a day. The restaurant can cater to vegan and vegetarian food choices, and a menu is prepared each day for you to choose from. Please inform us ahead of time if you have specific dietary requirements. You will also get to experience braais done either outdoors or at the Volunteer House.
COMMUNICATION
Free WiFi is available at the Research Station office and at the restaurant, while local sim card and mobile data can be purchased in town. Rest assured that we have available 24/7 resident Project Coordinators to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
CLIMATE
February is the hottest month with 30°C average maximum daily temperature, while the climate is hot and humid year-round. Afternoon thunderstorms regularly happen in the wettest months of January and February. April to October are the cooler and comfortable dry months, and the recommended time to visit.
PROJECT IMPACT AREAS
CORAL REEF AND MARINE MEGAFAUNA DIVES
You will find your volunteer adventure a rewarding one as you will be spending most of your time on research scuba dives, and your primary task is to gather valuable data which are essential in establishing conservation initiatives for Praia do Tofo’s long-term projects. As a volunteer, you play a pivotal role in data collection and analysis for the successful conservation of the region’s megafauna and coral reefs, as well as the manta rays, sharks and other marine creatures.
For those who are not yet PADI qualified, you’ll be glad to know that we offer packages including PADI Advanced Open Water Certification and PADI Open Water Certification.
PHOTO IDS AND CAMERA TRAPS
Part of the volunteer’s task is to make photo identity kits for marine turtles from November to February, for manta rays and whale sharks year-round, and for other marine megafauna, then to store the data to relevant databases. The volunteer will also keep track of each species’ location, behavior, segregation, specific identifying features, and sex behaviour. Other tasks also include setting up camera traps to document what marine life comes past and to gather data over an extended period of time, then study and audit the footage.
ESTUARY RESEARCH
The Inhambane Estuary brings forth a shallow water abode providing direct access to study the reef and surrounding mangroves’ condition; it is controlled by the rides and sustained by two rivers. On a traditional dhow boat, the volunteer will snorkel into the estuary to gather information on the abundance of species through video transects and surveys. This allows a better understanding of the reef, and gradually provides vital data aiding the local government in monitoring and protecting the area. This project was able to successfully inaugurate nine protected areas in the estuary in the year 2017!
SCIENTIFIC TALKS AND DOCUMENTARIES
Learn and grow during your volunteer adventure as discussions on marine megafauna research, anatomy, physiology, biology, pathology and conservation, will be provided by our research team. Our research professionals have a world class marine expertise, and provide regular symposiums on specific wildlife such as on manta rays and sharks. Talks are customized to the volunteers’ particular interests, and related to what they have discovered or learned the entire week.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Interaction with the community and its involvement play a big role in ocean conservation, thus we encourage and welcome opportunities to engage with the people of the local community. Volunteers may educate children at the local school about the significance of marine conservation, the dangers in the ocean, and how to keep away from these hazards. The volunteers may also take part in community events, foster worldwide activities like World Oceans Day, or join in a beach clean-up.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MOZAMBIQUE MARINE CONSERVATION
WHAT’S THE MOZAMBIQUE MARINE CONSERVATION PROJECT ABOUT?
Our team of top-notch marine scientists and biologists deliver their expertise on research and data gathering to safeguard ocean life and marine megafauna’s endangered species such as manta rays, whale sharks and other large marine creatures. Our Mozambique marine conservation project also encompasses community engagement initiatives involving beach clean up, volunteer activities at the local estuary, and training on PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving.
HOW WILL I BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE MARINE CONSERVATION PROJECT?
You will contribute greatly and have fun during the entire course of the project, as you dive deep into the Indian Ocean surrounding Tofo, Mozambique. You will be observing and studying marine species in various coral reefs, whale sharks, manta rays and turtles. You will gather and analyze collected data about these ocean creatures in their natural habitat, by acquiring and monitoring vital information like the animals’ measurements, behaviour and their environment’s condition. You will be creating a meaningful impact as this project allows you to educate the local community of Tofo on the significance and urgency of marine conservation efforts and vital research, as well as helping protect endangered species and local coral reefs from being exploited.
WHAT MAKES THIS PROJECT ETHICAL?
Volunteers’ research dives are primarily focused on the protection of the Indian Ocean’s coral reefs and various ocean life. We take pride in what our volunteers learn during the course of the project – helping improve the lives of endangered sea life, building protected areas for several marine species, and efficiently assisting in various marine conservation efforts in Mozambique.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Get the most out of your volunteer adventure by visiting and appreciating the extraordinary charm of Praia do Tofo and its nearby places. Enjoy a kayak ride to the estuary, ride the waves with your surfboard, scuba dive in the Indian Ocean’s deep and warm waters, or visit the remarkable dive shop in the area. If you want a little more fun, go horseback riding while scanning the quaint view of the sea, experience kite-surfing, or quad biking along the stunning beach.
RELAX AND UNWIND
Have a lovely time relaxing on the beach, listening to live music at local spots, take a yoga class, enroll to an amazing African dance class, enjoy braai along the beach or under the stars, or buy yourself or loved ones traditional Mozambican gift items at the souvenir shops or local crafts market nearby.
TRAVEL FURTHER
Prepare yourself to probably visit other destinations in Africa, pre- or post- volunteer period. You can take a quick flight from Inhambane Airport, or a 15-hour shuttle ride from Tofo to Johannesburg and back two times a week – an easy access to South Africa which is the top most visited destination. The exceptionally diversified South Africa has definitely something for everyone – you may go on safari in the Greater Kruger region or explore the incredible Cape Town!
DATES & RATES
START DATES
Any date
RATES
£2,199 – £5,999
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- All required training and resources essential in making an impact
- Three meals per day from onsite restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Shared accommodation, laundry and housekeeping
- Airport drop off (to Inhambane Airport)
- Laundry
PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES
- Visa-related fees
- Flights
- PADI Open Water Qualification
- Medical and travel Insurance
- Any further PADI courses you wish to undertake
- Personal items including alcohol, snacks, gifts
- Weekend personal trips and other non-project activities
- US$25 mandatory contribution (donated to the African Impact Sustainability Fund)
QUICK FACTS
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Tofo, Mozambique |
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All Year |
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2 – 8 Weeks |
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Marine Conservation |
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£2,199 – £5,999 |
PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTS
- Opportunity to work along a dedicated team with top-tier expertise in the fields of wildlife conservation, marine biology, oceanography and ecology
- Encounter the ocean’s gentle giants – manta rays, whale sharks, and marine turtles – while supporting the conservation initiatives and research on these creatures
- Be on guard against coral reef exploiters and assist in protecting this ecosystem
- Set-up and hold informative classes on conservation, ecology, and marine biology
- Immersion in Mozambique culture and lifestyle – enjoy the famous “braai” around the fire while residing on the stunning southern coast beach of Mozambique
- Have fun and maximize your volunteer adventure – explore the coast, enjoy the rising and setting of the sun, learn how to surf!
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