Description

Dyer Island Conservation Trust, with our eco-tourism partners Marine Dynamics Tours and Dyer Island Cruises, is offering unique year-round opportunities to work with Great White Sharks, Southern Right Whales (from July-December) and the other marine species in the seas at the southern tip of Africa.

These programs include significant time spent on our three boats:
- Shark Fever (a cage diving vessel)
- Whale Whisperer (a whale boat)
- Lwazi (seeking knowledge), the Trusts' new research boat

Every boat is accompanied by one of our resident marine biologists.

The ocean around Dyer Island offers significant opportunities for research as it is home to the most dense population of Great White Sharks. Also from July-December each year the bay is a vitally important breeding habitat for large numbers of the endangered Southern Right Whale. Additionally, there are resident populations of thousands of seals and sea-birds as well as resident dolphins.

Internship Opportunities: Great White Shark Research at Dyer Island, Western Cape, South Africa

Overview: Our program is affiliated with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. This program is focused on understanding the ecology and movement patterns of great white sharks around the Dyer Island ecosystem in South Africa. Great white sharks are critically endangered and have an imperative role as apex-predator in most systems in which they are found. This study will involve many hours at sea tracking the sharks via acoustic tags and hydrophone, dorsal-fin ID cataloging, behavioural observations, and water sampling (interns will be trained in the use of these instruments upon arrival). This is a great opportunity for those interested in marine biology and the importance of predators in ecosystems specifically. Interns will leave with a working knowledge of modern field research and the necessary skills required for a career in this area. There is also the opportunity to get involved with our Southern right whale behavioural ecology research as well as many other projects.

Duties: Interns will assist with day and night tracking, compilation of data, water sampling, behavioural observation surveys, photo catalogs, and so on!

Highlights

Opportunities to work with sharks, whales and other marine species.

The new scheme is unique in this marine area as it offers specific opportunities to both Volunteers (seeking short-term experience) as well as Research Interns working on specific academic projects and who wish to stay for a longer time.

* Volunteers work with our resident team of marine biologists and experienced boat captains in Eco-tourism and on a number of on-going research projects involving sharks, whales, seal, African Penguins and dolphins. Primarily here to work closely with sharks and tourists.

* Research interns have significant boat-based opportunities for data collection and are offered a curriculum specifically adapted to their individual needs. All Research Interns are mentored by marine biologists from the team who are working with a number of universities. Primarily here to gain field research experience. Internship program is a minimum of 1 month that will start on the 1st of each month.

The number of places on both schemes is limited to ensure that every participant gains the most from their time with us.

Qualifications

Students currently enrolled in natural science programs are highly encouraged (i.e. biology, zoology, ecology, etc.). Please contact us for an application form.

Intern Types

• Marine Science
• Biology(General)

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

16,500 ZAR (approx USD 2,400) per month.

Cost Includes:

• Housing

Program Fees Include:

* Transfers between Cape Town and Gansbaai on arrival and departure
* Accommodation (including bedding, coffee, tea, cereals etc).
* Internet access at accommodation
* Lectures and related activities
* Trips on the boat (weather dependant)
* Program materials
* Welcome pack of:
- 2 x Marine Dynamics t-shirts (please state t-shirt size)
- 1 x Marine Dynamics cap
- 1 x Marine Dynamics jacket (return after completion of program. This can be purchased at an additional cost.)
- 1 x pair of water boots (please state shoe size)
- 1 x DVD of a trip of your choice as well as a bonus and promotional DVD of company.
* Certificate of contribution towards Penguin Nesting Project, Faces of Need, should you stay 2 weeks or longer.
* Volunteer certificate for program participation
* Tour of Gansbaai and surroundings including a Township Tour as well as visit to famous Danger Point Lighthouse.
* There will be a coordinator that will take care of you during your stay. Should you experience any problems, you will have someone to turn to.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18 and above

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Dyer Island Conservation Trust's Mission Statement

The Dyer Island Conservation Trust has been established for the conservation, rehabilitation and protection of the natural environment, including flora, fauna or the biosphere, the care of the wild animals, the promotion of, and the conducting of educational and training programs relating to environmental awareness, greening and clean-up projects, and conservation research.

Year Founded

2006