There's absolutely no better way to positively contribute and effect a huge change to the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef than becoming part of it! Become a Marine discoverer today.
Late in 2016 Reef Teach owners committed more resources and effort to research and education. As part of that commitment Reef Teach launched it’s Marine Discoveries Internship which is designed to be a one-stop research, education and conservation experience. You can be a part of this exciting program and do your part in helping us preserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef.
The Marine Discoveries Internship (MDI) is a multi-faceted internship program aimed to increase the amount of research, education and conservation on the Great Barrier Reef.
This is a paid for program which enables the projects to be self-funded. Having this financial independence allows us the freedom to run projects that are important and that will have meaningful impact on the GBR. It also gives us the ability to run all year round, and so enabling us to achieve our commitment of producing more research, education and conservation.
The MDI is not only designed to help raise valuable funds and man power for our projects, but is also designed to educate its participants to a much higher level than those heading out to the GBR for the day.
During your internship we will train you in reef ecology and reef survey techniques. A vital part of your internship is heading to the reef to collect data and you will be with one of our marine biologists both in and out of the water every day.
The program runs for 2 or 4 weeks, longer stays can be accommodated, and activities are Monday to Friday leaving weekends free for you to explore the beauty of Tropical North Queensland.
(1) Reef trips are dependent on weather and availability. No refunds for less or no reef trips beyond the control of Reef Teach management and staff.
(2) Dietary requirements will be catered for as far as reasonable. Please inform Reef Teach management of any dietary requirement prior to arrival.
(3) Not all these projects are covered in every 2 or 4 week program. Volunteers may only work on a few areas as some of these programs are seasonal.
There are many different projects on the go and in the development stage and you will be a crucial part of this. With our MDI participants, we are able to perform more of these projects and carry out surveys more frequently.
You will be participating in projects supported by the following organisations.
Identifying, mapping and documenting sightings of a variety of marine wildlife species for inclusion in the "Eye On The Reef" Sightings Network program.
Monitor coral cover and indicator species at local reef sites through repeated surveys and provide a look at reef health at less frequently visited sites.
Designing and creating educational resources and programs. Engaging with school and university education and conservation programs run by Reef Teach.
Collection and collation of data for entry into various databases both national and worldwide. Analysis of data for publication in multiple forms.
The Marine Discoveries Internship is a 2 or 4 week program that starts the first Monday of the month. Both the 2 and the 4 week program start on the same date. We currently can accommodate up to 12 participants per program.
Duration | Cost |
---|---|
2 Weeks | A$1,650.00 per week |
4 Weeks | A$1,450.00 per week |
Note: Program fee's are stated in Australian Dollars (AUD/A$) and are quoted Per Week.
Reef Teach is a privately run organisation that has been operating since 1992 with no additional funding, up until 2019. Reef Teach, has this year (2019) been awarded a small grant to help with the research, but it only contributed a fraction of what is needed to run the research, and has only been awarded to help one of our research projects and not all of them. All other funds are raised from this MDI program and Reef Teach’s educational programs, such as the reef talks and our Reef Naturalist Programs.
Having this financial freedom allows us to focus more time and focus on more meaningful research and projects that will contribute the most to the management and understanding of the GBR. Without your participation Reef Teach will not be able to fulfil its commitment of producing more research, education and conservation.
The MDI can only be successful with interns help, through both the time and skills that you bring and the funding that we raise through your fee. 100% of your project cost goes back into Reef Teach. Your fee covers your accommodation and sea time but the majority goes towards the research, education and conservation project costs, and of course, helping us eat occasionally!
Acknowledgement Of Country
Reef Teach acknowledges, recognises and respects the Elders, families and forebears of the the Bama Peoples – the Aboriginal rainforest people who are traditional custodians/owners of the lands that cover our region. We also acknowledge, recognise and respect other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who call our region and the Great Barrier Reef their home.