Marine Conservation Internship, South Africa
The ORCA Foundation was established to create awareness of marine conservation issues affecting Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Completing an internship with the ORCA Foundation will give you the opportunity to work alongside the foundation's marine biologists, gaining valuable experience in boat- and land-based field research methods.
The ORCA foundation runs a number of different research, conservation and educational projects. These projects are ‘applied’ in nature, meaning that the data collected can directly assist in the conservation of the environment and its inhabitants.
The foundation's current research efforts focus on whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and rays. During your internship, depending upon the length of your internship, you will be able to be involved in one or more of the following projects:
- Opportunistic boat-based surveys with Ocean Blue Adventures
- Shark and ray video monitoring
- Shark and ray egg case hunting
- Opportunistic boat-based surveys of Cape Fur Seals in the Keurboorms Estuary
- Cliff top monitoring of marine wildlife from Robberg peninsula
If you already have an idea of a specific research area that you would like to focus on during your internship, do let us know and we will work with the foundation to see if that is possible.
Whether you have a research project to complete, are looking to volunteer during a placement year or just gain relevant career experience during the holidays, this could be the perfect place to volunteer.
Contact us to check availability and apply for your internship.
Volunteer Accommodation
The ORCA house is located within easy walking distance to a small shopping centre with a convenience store, pharmacy and a variety of restaurants. It is also in walking distance of the main street in town.
Basic food for healthy meals is provided for you at the house. You may be required to pack a lunch for some activities, but the Volunteer Coordinator will inform you of the work schedule ahead of time. Evening meals are prepared for you 5 nights per week (Mon- Fri) and a variety of diets, including vegetarian, are catered for. Alternatively, you are welcome to eat out at your own expense.
Laundry facilities are available and the 'house mum' Tilly does communal washing several times per week to conserve water and energy.
