The programme is launched
In the summer of 2022 we launched our first Just One Ocean Marine Conservation Internship in collaboration with Coral Tribe Koh Tao, Thailand.
Four students from Portsmouth University spent four to five weeks on this beautiful island where they participated in a range of marine conservation projects. These activities included the undertaking Big Microplastic Survey data collection and analysis, coral reef and Crown of Thorns surveys, Drupella snail management, beach cleans and other local community projects.
It was an experience of a lifetime that contributes fully to the Just One Ocean mission of protecting the ocean through science, education and communication. One intern noted: “Knowledge and understanding are incredibly important in the battle of getting the public backing to protect the environment. I hope with the experience I have gained I will be able to inspire others also and teach those around me the skills and easy ways to reduce our own individual impacts.”
Intern opportunities for 2023
Building on the success of this first Just One Ocean marine conservation internship we have decided to make this an annual programme provided enough funding can be obtained. The intern places are available for undergraduates on marine biology or marine science related courses. Students will be hosted by The Coral Tribe on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand. Coral Tribe have over ten years of experience in marine conservation and have been an integral part of positive environmental changes on the island. They have created an holistic approach to protecting the coral reefs in the area that allows people to get involved in coral restoration, citizen science projects, research and community action. The internships packages are for four weeks and you will be working and diving for five days a week giving you time to explore the island and enjoy other activities available. During the internship you will be a part of the team and be involved in the organisation’s ongoing projects, including gathering data, conducting maintenance and organising dives, and volunteers.
What’s included?
- Scuba Review (if you have not dived within 6 months)
- Three week marine conservation internship
- One week Reef check Eco Diver course
- 4 weeks accommodation
What isn’t included?
- Flights and ferries to Koh Tao
- Food
Diving requirements?
In order to undertake this internship you need to be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, or equivalent. If you are not a qualified diver The Coral Tribe can provide training prior to the start of the internship. You will need a week to undertake the open water and advanced open water qualifications.
What are the Just One Ocean requirements?
If you are given a partially funded internship you will be required to commit to providing mandatory regular weekly updates about what you are doing and submit social media posts. You will also be required to produce a 750 word (minimum) reflective article at the end of your time on the placement about your experience and what you learned. This is required in order to be awarded the unique “Eco Diver” diving qualification available at the end of your programme.
What else do I need?
You need to be able to swim and you should also have a love of the ocean. You will also need to make sure you have adequate travel and diving insurance.
How do I apply?
If you would like to apply please let us know by sending us an email to info@justoneocean.org before 31 March 2023. You should include a brief resume/CV of your achievements and interests along with a 300 word covering letter explaining why you would like to attend the programme. We will select candidates for a conference call interview based on those submissions. These will take place in April. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of April 2023. Once we have offered you a place and you have accepted it we will then put you in touch with The Coral Tribe and let them know that you are one of our funded interns. You will then need to sort out your travel arrangements.
More information?
You can get more general information about the training from the Coral Tribe website https://www.thecoraltribe.com/
If you have any additional questions please contact us by email
