My time at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can confidently say that it was a life-changing experience. From the moment I set foot on the island, I knew that BCSS was the place where I was meant to be. After missing out on the opportunity the previous year due to a full intern roster, I was determined to apply again, and I’m so grateful that I did. BCSS’s reputation as a world-renowned research center had me excited beyond measure, and it did not disappoint.
View form the BCSS station. Photo by Emily Velasquez.
As soon as I landed, I was warmly welcomed by Celso, who wasted no time in introducing me to the incredible team. Meeting fellow intern Tiare from Boston University, with her Puerto Rican charm, and interacting with the skipper Francisco and the amazing chef Emelia, set the tone for what would be a truly unforgettable experience. And let me just say, the food at BCSS was out-of-this-world delicious; I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so well in my entire life!
“BCSS felt like one big family; everyone was so friendly and supportive, making me feel at home right from the start.”
”My initial days involved settling in and brushing up on fish identification and data input, which was the perfect way to get into the groove of things. Soon, I had the chance to go diving with the coolest divers, Zinho and Mauro. Their enthusiasm, dance moves, and wealth of diving experiences were infectious, and I cherished every moment underwater.”
The beauty and sustainable design of BCSS left me in awe. The moment Teo gave me a tour of the research center, I knew I was in for an adventure like no other. The garden tended by the skilled Arlindo and Sergio added to the charm, and I found myself spending my spare time learning about permaculture and gardening alongside them.
Left: Chef Ana harvesting fresh produce from the permaculture;ture gardens. Right: Emily helping Sergio in the food gardens. Photo by Emily Velasquez.
BCSS felt like one big family; everyone was so friendly and supportive, making me feel at home right from the start. My initial days involved settling in and brushing up on fish identification and data input, which was the perfect way to get into the groove of things. Soon, I had the chance to go diving with the coolest divers, Zinho and Mauro. Their enthusiasm, dance moves, and wealth of diving experiences were infectious, and I cherished every moment underwater.
The range of activities we engaged in at BCSS was mind-boggling. From conducting scientific diving expeditions to collecting and analyzing seawater samples for oceanography studies, every day was filled with new challenges and opportunities for learning. The beach cleanups and marine debris monitoring were especially gratifying, as we actively contributed to preserving the pristine marine ecosystems we were so fortunate to explore.
Top: Heading back to the station after a day of diving. Bottom: Beach clean up with the local community. Photos by Emily Velasquez.
Assisting with the maintenance and operation of ocean observatory stations and learning 3D seabed mapping using advanced technologies were experiences that deepened my understanding of marine research. I was thrilled to discover that my internship earned me four college credits, a testament to the educational value of this program.
Claire and Mauro, the knowledgeable and supportive staff at BCSS, were instrumental in making my time there enriching and enjoyable. Their guidance and mentorship made a significant difference in my learning journey.
Beyond the work and research, BCSS provided an opportunity to immerse myself in a vibrant and diverse environment. The wildlife, the interactions with the local community, and being a part of the RoMeTurb project, with its water sampling and deployment of buoys from the massive research vessel, were some of the coolest and most impactful experiences I’ve had.
Overall, my internship at BCSS provided me with invaluable insights into the marine science sector and left me with cherished memories, unforgettable friends, and a newfound passion for marine conservation. I would return to BCSS in a heartbeat because the work, the people, and the research being conducted there are truly inspiring. If you have the opportunity to be a part of BCSS, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize it. It will undoubtedly be worth it, and you’ll come away with a profound appreciation for our oceans and the urgency of their preservation.
Our Scientific Training Programs are available to anyone with a keen interest in marine science and conservation. Participants can opt to stay two to twelve weeks and have the possibility to combine their training with courses at our 5-star PADI dive center. We also offer 3-month long Dive Master Training Internships, led and taught by our Marine Operations Manager and Dive Expert Mauro Jije. For more information about our Scientific Training Programs or Dive Courses, visit our dive center page, scientific training program page, or get in touch.
For questions about this article, please contact:
Iris Uijttewaal, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies
Iris.Uijttewaal@bcssmz.org
Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies
Host of the first permanent Ocean Observatory focused on multi-ecosystem time series research in Africa, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) was established in 2017 as in independent, non-profit organisation with a mission to protect and support the fragile ecosystems of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. The research station is located on Benguerra Island, off the coast of Mozambique.
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