Scientific Training

Program

Professional scientific training while exploring marine ecosystems at our Research Station & Ocean Observatory

Experience the thriving waters supporting more than 2000 fish species, boasting the world’s second most diverse coral reefs, while getting training on marine biology, oceanography, and environmental sciences in the Indian Ocean. Acquire core career skills like fieldwork design, scientific writing, species identification, and hands-on scientific fieldwork – all within our high-end, on-site laboratories, during expeditions, or within office settings. Contribute significantly to the monitoring of human impacts on marine ecosystems, in an experience that will substantially contribute towards your professional career.

Gain your PADI certification

Study marine ecosystems

Learn from scientists and technical staff

Stay at the research station

Gain official university credit

Build your career

Download the Scientific Training brochure

Join our scientific team in the research station up to 12 weeks

Whether you are pursuing a career in marine and environmental sciences, or you simply want to play a role and contribute towards BCSS´s mission, the programs are meticulously prepared to ensure your training experience is maximally rewarding and constructive.

Special rates may be available for Southern African residents and SADC passport holders. Please contact us to discuss eligibility.

Scientific Ocean Safaris: Whale Shark & Megafauna ID Expeditions

Participate in real-time marine megafauna research alongside BCSS scientists through operational spatial mapping expeditions focused on Whale Shark identification and long-term monitoring within the greater Bazaruto Archipelago seascape.

Operating from research boats, expeditions follow standardized BCSS survey protocols developed for long-term ecological monitoring. Guests accompany researchers during real-time field operations involving:

Marine megafauna visual surveys

Species identification and behavioural observations

Spatial mapping methodologies

Whale shark and megafauna photo-identification

Citizen science contributions and Sharkbook/Happywhale image submissions

Megafauna ecology lectures and expedition briefings

BCSS Research Themes

BCSS is committed to working on critical research, new initiatives and ground-breaking projects. The marine research that is being conducted at BCSS is all part of one of the four themes:

Theme 1

Ecosystem Function & Monitoring

Monitoring the ocean over time and space (time-series) helps scientists better understand intricate workings of marine ecosystems. This theme combines remote sensing, underwater and seabed measurements, based on different temporal resolutions (continuous to monthly).

Theme 2

Species Identification & Habitat Mapping

Conducting of open ocean, coastal, seabed and underwater surveys to study marine life hotspots and learn how organisms interact with the environment over time and space. This theme focuses on resident and migratory species identification and monitoring those during the year to comprehend their distribution.

Theme 3

Migratory Fish Population Dynamics

Locating and tagging pelagic fish species via research fishing techniques as well as bio-samples collection to understand ecosystem processes. This theme combines research fishing practices with bio-samples recovery from animals to answer how species use their habitat, how environmental constraints impact their migration, as well as how they use the water masses and marine protected areas.

Theme 4

Marine Debris
Monitoring

Implemented across predetermined study sites, our survey methodology involves a monthly accumulative approach. These marine debris surveys play a pivotal role in understanding the enter and buildup of debris within the distinct ecosystems of Benguerra Island, encompassing mangroves, seagrass beds, mudflats, and sandy beaches.

I spent 2 months at BCSS as a Science Training Participant. I learned lots of new things in marine sciences, such as diving surveys, spatial mapping and sampling. Both people at the station and on the island were lovely. Besides marine scientific learning, there are lots of things to do and explore, such as sundowners at the local barrack or on the big dune, walking on the beach or looking for crocodiles at the lakes. If you want to relax, go on adventures and learn new marine science and scuba diving skills, all at the same time, while being in one of the most unique places in the world and seeing lots of marine life – BCSS is the place to be.

Having always had a love for the ocean and scuba diving, it had been a goal of mine to take part in an ocean conservation project for a while. BCSS stood out as somewhere I could make a meaning full contribution, even without having a background in marine science. It was amazing to be part of the BCSS team. Everyone shared the same passion for the ocean and we're here for the same reasons. I learned so much just though having conversations with people at the station. Coming from ours tie a marine science background meant I was learning every day. From data collection techniques an methodologies to marine species identification, plus lots of very interesting facts too. Every day brings something new, but a moments I'll never forget was seeing a large group of humpback whales during our diving surface interval.

At BCSS, I learnt lots about our marine environments, but also about mangroves – which I love learning about, as they store 10 times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests. This makes them a critical part of the solution to climate change, but due to deforestation mangrove forests are continuously being lost globally. The diving was incredible, and on e of my favourite moments was swimming with four manta rays during a surface interval. We entered the water and stayed with them for 15 minutes. When I see this e giant and gentle animals it always makes me think; how can people kill them for the ir gills, bringing to the bring of extinction? Being so close to nature and wildlife allowed me to think about these mattes while learning about the mat the same time.

The hospitality offered at BCSS is second-t-none and the staff has been incredible. Despite the difficulties brought on by COVID-19, I cannot say enough good things about my experience here. What I found most interesting to learn about the at BCSS is the local ecosystem and the issues that it faces. It is always interesting to hear the perspectives of people from other parts of the world on the many issues our ocean and planet face today. A special moment was definitely when I freedived with three bull sharks. We got in the water to see if some nearby humpback whales would pass by us, but we were pleasantly surprised that the sharks came to check us out instead.