About the program
Focused on conservation, sustainable development and wildlife research.
This placement is focused on marine ecology and
conservation in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.
Receive diving training and qualifications to
the internationally accredited PADI/CMAS standard. Gain experience and
confidence with diving, work with the pioneering team who discovered the
coelacanth off the coast of South Africa in 2000 along with other local
scientists and dive masters.
Work on marine conservation projects such as coral reef
surveying or turtle monitoring and nesting research to help protect these
marine ecosystems.
Projects
and work:
There
are a variety of different marine research and conservation projects that
you’ll support during your dives, gain skills in both marine ecology and diving
itself.
PADI/CMAS diving accreditation
At the start of your placement, you’ll complete multi-day training involving
classroom based theory and practical assessments. Train and qualify as a diver
allowing you to work with us as well as at any internationally recognised PADI
or CMAS diving centre.
Coral reef surveying and monitoring
Working
as a team, you’ll grid and survey a variety of different coral systems at
varying depths. Identify and record different species of coral and molluscs to
gain data and insights on these ecosystems and help monitor their health over
time.
Fish surveying
Reefs are rich in biodiversity and act as nurseries for young or migratory
species. Help monitor the health of the reef, identify keystone species, record
data to analyse trends in populations, record locations of any notable sites
(cleaning stations or breeding locations).
Turtle
monitoring and research
Loggerhead and leatherback are found along the coast of South Africa, help
monitor their movements as you catch, tag and release to track these animals.
Record valuable data such as sex, size and weight and help ecologists protect
these species.
Turtle
nest protection
From November to March, turtles use the beach to nest as they’ve done for
millions of years. Help locate and protect these nests, monitor hatchlings and look
for trends and patterns in changes of nesting and breeding behaviour.
Marine videography and photography
An image says a thousand words and a video says more! Take part in videography,
photography or other documentary processes to help capture often undocumented
and recorded species of marine life to educate and raise awareness.
Endangered
species identification and monitoring
As you dive at various locations, you’ll record any endangered or notable
species of fish, rays and sharks. Some shark species even breed in the area,
help record these animals in the understudied iSimangaliso Wetland
region.
Safari drives and bush walks
For some of you joining us, it will be your first time in South Africa and we
don’t want you to miss a thing. Included in your placement is a multi-day
sleep-out on a wildlife reserve. Take part in Safari drives and bush walks to
see iconic African animals like: elephants, big cats, giraffe and the rest!
For those with an existing background in marine ecology, we can work with you
to help develop and implement your own projects.
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