Ever since I used to be a baby, I’ve dreamed of working at a marine science institute. So, when the chance arose to intern on the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), I knew I needed to seize it. HIMB is famend for its pioneering analysis in coral reef ecology and conservation, making vital contributions to understanding and defending these very important marine ecosystems. It additionally homes a marine mammal analysis program, which significantly caught my curiosity.
After contacting a number of HIMB labs, I acquired an enthusiastic response from Lars Bejder, the director of this system. He even related me with Claire Lacey, who promptly provided me a science communication internship.
Figures (left to proper): Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology; Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP lab)
Finding inexpensive housing in Hawaii proved difficult. Fortunately, by a Facebook connection, I discovered a room to rent from a woman wanting to travel Asia, permitting me to comfortably settle in for the three-month program. With diving gear and digicam packed, I eagerly awaited the journey.
Saying goodbye to family members was powerful, however my pleasure for the unknown – a future job or just a transformative expertise – propelled me ahead. The long journey from Munich to Honolulu, through San Francisco, was properly value it.
My expertise surpassed even my wildest goals. Witnessing sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals during snorkelling excursions have been personal highlights past my internship duties.
Figures (left to proper): Green Sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) basking at Laniakea seaside (North Shore, Oahu: you may presumably mistake them for a rock!); inexperienced sea turtle close-up; Newborn Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) pup with Mum on May 2nd in Kaimana seaside
At HIMB, on Coconut Island, my major position was science communication. I developed participating content material for the Marine Mammal Research Program’s social media platforms, raising awareness about environmental points and showcasing the lab’s analysis. This concerned in-depth analysis, scientist interviews, and content material creation throughout platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTook, and Twitter. My abilities expanded to video manufacturing and infographic design – you possibly can see my work on the MMRP’s Facebook (Marine Mammal Research Program University of Hawaii) and Instagram (mmrp_uh) pages from March to April, that includes enjoyable initiatives like “Tag Week” and “Drone Week.”
One of essentially the most rewarding elements of working at HIMB was the every day commute – a lovely mix of biking, busing, and taking the institute’s shuttle boat to Coconut Island. After work, I explored the colourful fringing reefs across the island, encountering a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and vibrant sea cucumbers. My mornings have been spent swimming with inexperienced sea turtles in the seagrass meadows close to Fort De Russy Beach, capturing their sleek actions and distinctive behaviours. Witnessing them feeding and interacting with their setting was awe-inspiring.
Video of sea turtle swimming:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8fywBMvuru/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
My ardour for science communication prolonged past the lab. I reached out to the Research Experience & Mentoring in Science (REMS) program, a group devoted to educating vacationers and schoolchildren about marine analysis at HIMB. Seeing complicated scientific ideas successfully communicated to numerous audiences was actually inspiring. This expertise solidified my aspiration to turn into a marine biologist devoted to each fieldwork and public training throughout all areas of marine science and conservation.
My love for the ocean didn’t stop right here. I participated in a outstanding reef dive at Horseshoe Reef, encountering more sea turtles, breathtaking coral formations, and a selection of marine life.
Video of horseshoe reef:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6lLTFcOImg/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
I additionally joined a clean-up dive in Honolulu, gathering trash from the coastal space. The quantity of air pollution was disheartening, a stark reminder of our collective duty in direction of the ocean. It was during a morning snorkel that I noticed a sea turtle entangled in a plastic six-pack ring – a highly effective reminder of the threats marine animals face.
Figures (left to proper): trash collected after cleanup dive at Magic Island (Honolulu); me being “Mahalo” (Hawaiian for being grateful) for this expertise; inexperienced sea turtle with sixpack ring round shoulder
Leaving Oahu after the internship was bittersweet. However, new alternatives awaited. I used to be provided a place as Community and Project Manager for an Ocean Foundation in Germany. This position concerned offering suggestions on marine instructional programmes for Ocean Camps in Southern France and the North Sea. This completely aligned with my curiosity in ocean advocacy and training, a ardour nurtured all through my HIMB journey. Now I’m making an attempt to pursue a long-held dream of working as a marine behavioural biologist learning whales, finally combining science and marine training.
Hawaii fulfilled a lifelong dream, the place I found my function and solidified my dedication to defending our oceans. Now, with renewed willpower, I embark on the following chapter, decided to make a lasting influence on the health of our planet’s oceans for generations to come back.
To aspiring marine biologists, I say: by no means give up in your goals. The path could also be rocky, however with perseverance, you’ll attain the end line. Remember, fieldwork might be extremely rewarding and solidifying. Embrace the challenges, study out of your experiences, and keep keen about your objectives.
I’ve a grasp’s degree in marine biology, ecology, and behavioural biology obtained from the University of Vienna. Since I can keep in mind I wished to turn into a marine biologist, regardless of growing up in a nation with out an ocean, however I assume my South African roots simply stored on pushing to make this dream come true. After commencement I spent a yr in Australia and assisted a number of NGOs with marine instructional talks and citizen science programmes. Here I had the privilege of observing humpback whales on their annual migration handed the japanese coast of Australia, and taking part in seagrass and rockpool monitoring actions. With a heavy coronary heart I left Australia, however quickly after obtained a place as a marine educator at Malta National Aquarium. Today I’m based mostly in Germany exploring marine critters in the North and Baltic Sea and if I’m not too busy, you’ll discover me diving in the Red Sea, running a blog on my Facebook web page, swimming, operating, studying, and meditating.
