In the summer of 2022 we provided an opportunity for some marine science undergraduates from the University of Portsmouth to participate in our new Just One Ocean Marine Conservation Internship in Thailand. Undertaken in collaboration with Coral Tribe Koh Tao, Thailand, over a four week period they participated in a range of marine conservation projects and activities including coral reef and crown of thorns surveys, Drupella snail management, beach cleans and local community activities. They also participated in Big Microplastic Surveys adding to the growing amount of information we have about coastal microplastics and mesoplastics around the world.
It was an experience of a lifetime that also contributed to the Just One Ocean mission of protecting the ocean through science, education and communication. One intern noted:
“Knowledge and understanding are incredibly important in the battle of getting the public backing to protect the environment. I hope with the experiences I have gained that I will be able to inspire others also and teach those around me the way to reduce our own individual impacts.”