About the Great Barrier Reef Conservation Project
Join us on this multi-faceted internship programme, and help to support research, education and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. The programme is not only a means to help raise valuable manpower and funds to support conservation of the reef, but it is also designed to educate our participants about the reef and its conservation status. As an intern, you will be working with one of the resident marine biologists every day, and gain a much deeper understanding of the ecosystem than simply visiting the reef as a tourist. During this project, they will train you in reef ecology and reef survey techniques together with accompanying you to the Great Barrier Reef during data collection trips, education and conservation events. Typical activities include:
- Reef Ecology – You will learn everything you need to know about Indo Pacific reefs, from coral to whales and everything in between. You will look at reef management and how the Great Barrier Reef is protected and also work on developing identification skills that will allow you to survey reefs successfully.
- In Water Reef monitoring and data collection – You will work on a variety of citizen science projects and other projects that combine science, management and industry.
- Data input – After every reef trip, interns will enter the data from the previous day and work on creating the resources necessary for the research projects.
- Community engagement projects – During classroom days, interns work on creating educational resources and other projects that we use to engage not just the local community but a worldwide audience.
Unlike other programmes that you may come across, during this placement you will collect real data on actual scientific projects that link directly back into management of the reef, rather than just focusing on citizen science. The data that you collect on the reef will be entered into the relevant scientific databases, and you will also have a crucial role as part of the analysis team.
Please note that due to local weather conditions you may not be involved with all of the activities listed above depending on the time of year. Please also note that the project itself does not include any scuba diving, all underwater activities are done by snorkelling. However, there are plenty of diving opportunities available in Cairns during your free time, and we can help you arrange this at an extra cost.
