Description

The internship program was developed to provide a world-class opportunity for science students to assist with marine research and conservation. The internship is a great opportunity for dedicated students to engage in real world research and meaningfully contribute to our projects. Interns will get experience in all of our projects and experience the challenges and the pleasures of working in the most beautiful, wild and remote coastal environment of southern Mozambique.

As part of this program, interns can expect to be important members of a focused and dedicated research station and partake in ground-breaking research. It is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to exciting marine research, as well as experience the frustrations, the highs and the lows, and the achievements associated with ambitious and challenging marine research in Africa.

Our laboratory will receive a maximum of four interns per month. Interns will participate in all research projects included data collection, data entry and in some cases, data analysis. The normal 'routine' of the internship is to collect data during the morning and enter data during the afternoon, but changes can happen depending on weather conditions, research tasks and special events. Once per week we do environment education activities at the local primary school.

Partnership might be accepted for exceptional students interested in developing their own research in Zavora. Some of our past interns have received credits from their university after completing an internship here. Please contact us and your School to investigate this possibility.

Intern activities included:

* Underwater coral reef health and status surveys (for interns who do the training)
* Underwater focal diver interaction with manta rays
* Underwater focal diver impact on the reef
* Maintenance of manta ray acoustic listening station
* Nudibranch (sea slugs) belt transects
* Maintenance of the nudibranch tank
* Humpback whale land based survey and photo ID (during season  June-October)
* Conducting user group surveys on marine eco-tourism
* Turtle walks (looking for nesting areas during season  Nov-March)
* Fishing monitoring
* Data entry  using Access, Excel and MID a software especially designed for Manta Ray identification
* Educational activities including:
* Regular activities with kids from the local community
* Educational open eco-cinema in the village and dive center
* Presentations for divers and fisherman
* Short talks for divers during surface intervals

Highlights

The highlight of our internship is the manta ray research. Zavora is a world destination to see these amazing giants. Our success sighting rates at inshore reefs is 82% giving interns plenty of opportunity to collect population data and data on diver interaction with manta rays. We only accept up to 4 interns per month so booking must be done in advance.

Our other research projects include:

Research Projects
1. Manta Ray Population using photo ID.
Manta Rays are the largest rays in the world. Recently the genus Manta, that was historically considered monotypic, was clearly divided into two different species, Manta birostris and Manta alfredi. In Zavora M. alfredi is the most abundant, however both species can be seen all year round. Despite the abundance, little is yet known about our manta population. Manta rays have a unique spot pattern on their belly and between their gills, which make it possible to identify individuals. Photo identification uses the same principles as mark and recapture studies but because of the distinguished pattern we are able to use photos instead of tags. The advantage is that photo-identification is a non-invasive technique and you are still able to gain valuable information about these fabulous animals.

The Lab. has created an innovative software, Manta ID (MID), especially designed to easily identify individuals and also the first online database for individual identification of manta rays in the Indian Ocean.
Our research aims to raise knowledge about Zavoras manta population and assist with the conservation of these massive rays.

Some of our research questions are:
* What is the structure of the manta ray population?
* To what extent do manta rays in Zavora belong to the same population of manta rays in other southern Mozambique areas (e.g. Tofo and Guinjata)?
* What is the abundance of manta rays over the years and what variables might affect such abundance?

2. Manta ray interaction with divers
Divers from all over the world come to Mozambique, mainly attracted by the megafauna, particularly manta rays and whale sharks. However, there is an evident and growing concern that divers impact might affect the health of the reefs and manta ray populations. So far most of studies on divers impacts have been concentrated on benthonic communities in tropical reefs, and no study has been done to evaluate divers impacts on manta rays and subtropical reefs. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature and provide important tools for the management of tourism and the conservation of manta rays.

The project investigates the two different ways that divers might affect mantas directly by changing its behavior and indirectly due impacts on the manta rays habitat. Data is collected using standardized underwater observation of both divers and mantas behaviour.

The information gathered from this study will be invaluable to diving tourism management in Mozambique and other areas with similar characteristics.

3. Nudibranch diversity and distribution
Sea slugs (opisthobranchs) are one of the most diverse marine invertebrates in the world with more than 5000 species described and many that are yet to be described. The biggest group of opisthobranchs is the nudibranchs, well known by experienced divers due to their vibrant colors and amazing camouflage. In the Western Indian Ocean studies on opisthobranchs have been very limited, giving us a unique opportunity to discover and explore! We are conducting the first study on opisthobranchs in Mozambique, looking at diversity and distribution.
So far, more than 120 species have been found in Zavora alone, including some undescribed species. Belt transect technique is used to collect spatial and temporal data of opisthobranchs distribution and focal search to find rare and deep water species.

Taxonomy study is done through internal and external descriptions and molecular analyses.

4. Reef Monitoring Reef monitoring is an important tool used to evaluate changes on the reefs over time.

Data from reef monitoring is used to design management strategies in order to prevent any future decrease in reef health. We use indicator species and fish families to examine changes on inshore reefs. Our monitoring methodology is based on the Reef Check protocol adapted to the local and regional environment. In order to understand changes from a holistic perspective, we use fish belt transects, invertebrate belt transects and substrate intercept-point line transects. The results from this monitoring are used locally and are also sent to an international database (Reef Check) to contribute to the understanding of global reef changes.

5. Fishing Monitoring
Local and recreational fishermen have been fishing in Zavora for years. For many locals, fishing is the main source of food and income. Unfortunately, the pressure from fishing and coastal development has increased rapidly all around the world, decreasing fish stocks. In Zavora, fishing techniques have changed, particularly over the last few years. There is now more netting and longline fishing than ever before. The aim of this project is to monitor changes in fishing techniques and identify potential threats for key marine species, such as manta rays, sea turtles, sharks and devil rays. Land based monitoring is done once per week.

6. Diving Tourism
Diving tourism is an emerging industry in Mozambique. However, there is a lack of understanding and communication between managers and several stakeholders. In order to manage diving tourism in a sustainable way, we need to understand divers experiences and their impact on the reefs.

The aim of this study is to evaluate divers preferences and experiences in a diving destination that is still pristine and where tourism in its infancy. This will allow us to determine social and biological carry capacity, to compare data with other more developed areas and draw a robust strategic management plan to improve divers positive experiences and avoid the negative effects of uncontrolled development. In order to get such important information, socio-economic surveys using self-administered questionnaires have been used daily, as well as standardized underwater diver impact study.

A direct result of this project was the creation of the Fish Police a friendly management tool used to reduce divers impacts. In 2012 we will be testing the efficiency of the Fish Police and, if needed, make adjustments and modifications to ensure that divers impacts are reduced.

7. Humpback Whales
Humpback whales are one of the most fascinating animals on Earth. Every year they come to Zavora to reproduce and give birth to their calves. Small and large groups of these mammals can be easily observed from shore and often heard, even occasionally seen, underwater. During the whale season we do a land based whale assessment to estimate the relative population of humpback whales using Zavora Bay.

Observations are conducted every second day from 6am till dark, during which we collect various data such as the estimated number, behaviour and position of whales.

In 2011, a day of survey generated over 60 humpback whales sightings and the data revealed the preferential area for humpbacks in the bay according to the behaviour. Every Humpback whale have distinct markings on their tail fluke making it possible to identify individuals. Humpback whale photo ID is a challenge, but it is an important tool for migration studies, as it allows us to compare our data with other similar projects, and also try and recognize returning individuals. We are now creating the first national online humpback whales database allowing our research to reach even further. 2012 will be our second year of extensive humpback whale survey and we are excited to see if there will be any temporal changes in the population.

Collaborative Research
A. Manta Ray Acoustic Tag
This project is coordinated by Dr. Andrea Marshall from the Megafauna Association and aims to identify critical habitats for manta rays around southern Mozambique. The project is also evaluating the distribution and migratory pattern of Manta alfredi. One listening station receiving data from acoustic tags on tagged manta rays has been placed in Zavora at Witchs Hat. We assist on this project by monitoring and replacing the listening stations and downloading the data.

B. Whales Sharks Photo ID
This project is led by Dr. Simon Pierce from the Megafauna Association. The objective of the project is to understand the structure of population of whale sharks of this region, as well as to investigate migratory patterns.

Whale sharks, like manta rays, have a unique spot pattern which allows the study of populations using photo identification.
We collaborate with this project by taking photos and sending all photo-ID from Zavora to Dr. Simon Pierce.

C. Sea Turtle Monitoring
The national sea turtle monitoring is organized by Association para Investigation Costeira e Marinha (AICM). The project covers a large area of Mozambique coastline and aims to identify hotspots for sea turtle nesting and thereby increase protection. During the sea turtle nesting season four locals work as monitors walking from 5 to 7 km to patrol the beach. Information on turtle nesting or any evidence of turtle movement on the beach is recorded. We collaborate with the project by providing supervision of the monitors and getting GPS data of all observed turtle activity. We also participate weekly on patrols.

Qualifications

Intern roles include (but are not restricted to) collecting underwater and land based data, transferring data to the database, assisting with the education projects, fund-raising, organizing and participating in events for environmental protection etc.

Please note that due the nature of the work, not all applications will be accepted. You will need to
1. be serious about data collection and marine conservation;
2. have 2 years or more of a science degree (or equivalent level of experience);
3. have a minimum of 30 logged dives or advanced certification, or alternatively, come a week early (at your own costs to improve dive skills before starting to collect any data).

How do you apply? To apply please submit your CV including:
1. Personal details (date of birth, nationality, languages, address and contact details)
2. Academic background and relevant research experience
3. Practical experience and relevant courses (e.g. first aid, skipper, etc.)
4. Diving qualification including level of certification, number of dives, any specialization and date of certification
5. Two references
6. Where you heard about our internship program
7. Personal motivation to partake in the internship program
8. Any special requirements (e.g. eating preferences, medical conditions, etc.)
9. Availability (when and for how long would you like to apply)

Minimum Education

Bachelor of Science

Intern Types

• Biology(General)
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Scuba

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2600/month

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

Our laboratory will receive a maximum of four interns per month. The internship cost is USD 2,600/month, which is used to cover your expenses whilst in Zavora and help towards the running costs of the centre. This fee includes: up to 25 dives per month including equipment rental, return transfer between Inhambane-Zavora on the 1st of each month, accommodation, transport to Inharrime every two weeks to buy food supplies, a 5,000Met food allowance and research training and assistance.
We also offer the interns the opportunity to participate in a five day reef monitoring course for an additional cost of USD 280. This is a formal course with five classroom sessions and two in-water practice sessions. The course is highly recommended for people who have limited knowledge about the marine life in subtropical reefs.

Our internship does not include:
* Flight and transport from country of origin to Mozambique.
* Transfers that are not on the 1st of each month.
* Internet (available by request. Price: 180Met/hour).
* Any imported food.
* Drinks and meals at the Zavora Lodge Restaurant. However, interns are allowed to order special price staff meal in the restaurant at your own cost (Price from 130-175Met).

Experience Required

yes

Please note that due the nature of the work, not all applications will be accepted. You will need to 1) be serious about data collection and marine conservation; 2) have 2 years or more of a science degree (or equivalent level of experience and dedication to conservation); 3) have a minimum of 30 logged dives and an advanced certification. If you do not meet the diving criteria you can come a week early (at your own costs) to get any additional qualifications or use the first week of your internship to improve dive skills before you start collecting data.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Typically we receive science students or dedicated naturalist with SCUBA diving experience. The normal 'routine' of the internship is to collect data during the morning and enter data during the afternoon, but changes can happen depending on weather conditions, research tasks and special events. Once per week we do environment education activities at the local primary school.

Age Range

18-45

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Zavora Marine Lab.'s Mission Statement

The Zavora Marine Lab was established in 2009 to promote and facilitate research and conservation in southern Mozambique. Since its inception our lab has developed vital research for the region and raised environmental awareness through educational programs with local communities and visitors to the area.

Year Founded

2009