I came to the South African Shark Conservancy having little idea what I was getting myself into. I knew obviously it would involve sharks, some research, and some outreach but that is pretty small part of what I actually did. First week I was here, we headed to the Breede River to catch some Bull sharks. After days on the boat trying to track previously tagged sharks and waking up at 5am trying to catch fish, (I caught 3 fish by the way), we came up with no bull shark. And though it was very frustrating, no one could do anything about it, which to me is the beauty of science especially when working with wild animals. They don’t necessarily do what we want them to do. On the river, I met many very interesting people, all asking me about America, what I thought about South Africa and then giving me places I should go when I’m here. Once and awhile someone would sing me California Girls by the Beach Boys.
Heading back to Hermanus, I was finally able to settle into a routine and actually unpack my suitcase. Heading to the office everyday, I saw the intensive planning and work that went into working in a non-profit. We basically hit the ground running, where I worked on the research for a WWF contract about sustainable fishing. posters for the education room, aquarium layout plans, ideas for the Shark Camp, catching sharks for the tanks, cleaning tanks, research for the new Walker Bay Coffee book and many other things. Lets just say I was a Jack-of-all-trades this month.
After five weeks working with the South African Shark Conservancy, my internship has come to an end. Not that I want it to end, I can truly say that this trip has taught me so much about working with a non profit organization that is affiliated with marine science, and the research that tags along with it. When I came here I had no direct idea about what I wanted to do with my future, only a couple random thoughts. Now, coming out of the program, I can say that I would like to go into some sort of Biological Conservation path. I don’t know if that means non-profit work, conservation or research, but now at I can see some sort of clearing in this crazy world.
I want to give a big THANK YOU to Tamzyn and Meag. They were always there making sure I was comfortable, and having fun. They taught me so much about science in both research and non profit. This trip/program would truly be nothing without them.
Heading back to Hermanus, I was finally able to settle into a routine and actually unpack my suitcase. Heading to the office everyday, I saw the intensive planning and work that went into working in a non-profit. We basically hit the ground running, where I worked on the research for a WWF contract about sustainable fishing. posters for the education room, aquarium layout plans, ideas for the Shark Camp, catching sharks for the tanks, cleaning tanks, research for the new Walker Bay Coffee book and many other things. Lets just say I was a Jack-of-all-trades this month.
After five weeks working with the South African Shark Conservancy, my internship has come to an end. Not that I want it to end, I can truly say that this trip has taught me so much about working with a non profit organization that is affiliated with marine science, and the research that tags along with it. When I came here I had no direct idea about what I wanted to do with my future, only a couple random thoughts. Now, coming out of the program, I can say that I would like to go into some sort of Biological Conservation path. I don’t know if that means non-profit work, conservation or research, but now at I can see some sort of clearing in this crazy world.
I want to give a big THANK YOU to Tamzyn and Meag. They were always there making sure I was comfortable, and having fun. They taught me so much about science in both research and non profit. This trip/program would truly be nothing without them.
