The Beginning: Koh Tao Thailand

I am sure many marine biologists will agree that volunteering on many, many, many projects will come before any kind of career in marine biology. I cannot recommend taking part in internship opportunities enough. Not only have all these opportunities given me some of the most incredible memories that will last for forever, they have also taught me some invaluable lessons that no marine biologist will learn in a lecture hall. Not to mention I have met some of the most inspirational people around the globe, in which I am now luckily enough to still be connected to. Here, I will share with you some of the most valuable experiences i have had. But first let me give you my no.1 tip... that would be to never give up. You may be knocked down multiple times, believe me i know how hard it is to get into a career in marine biology but just keep doing what you love, and the ocean will love you back. It will thank you.

Koh Tao (Thailand)

Throughout my whole travelling experience during my gap year, i can easily and proudly say that one of the most fulfilling experiences i have ever endured up until that point was during my 6 weeks marine conservation internship with Big Blue Diving on the beautiful island of Koh Tao. I was lucky enough to be joined by 3 of the most amazing characters throughout my stay. Helena (The Viking), Katy (The scot) and Caitlin (The cali girl), and not to mention one of the most inspiring people we’ve all come across our teacher Rachel (The save the seas legend)… and not forgetting the kids (dogs).

Throughout the six weeks we contributed our time to various activities that would benefit the ecosystems above and below the waters. Every Saturday a beach clean up was held allocated at various regions around the island. Every other Sunday we held an underwater clean up which was supported by many. We collected Drupella snails which are a threat as a pest to these corals, we collected data as we learned the techniques of fish identification and coral mapping and would have many early morning missions set for us to chop nets from the tangled mess fishing boats had left trapping the reef. By creating some very dapper posters (i swear i've got better at this) we encouraged new divers to take care of the reef.

One of the most significant differences we made was designing and making an artificail reef swim through structure which we lowered within the coral nursery along sairee beach. Here we also cleaned previous designed structures clear of algae with toothbrushes and attached coral to. Not to mention all the diving we got to do and the qualifications we gained along with it. It was after this internship that i decided this wasn't the end of my experience helping rehabilitate marine ecosystems, but the beginning. I was massively inspired to continue making a difference to these seas and spread awareness to those I continued to met along the way.

I'm proud to say, I never let go of those promises.