Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies
Host of the first permanent Ocean Observatory focused on multi-ecosystem time-series research in Africa
Overview
- High level, in-depth scientific internships with one-on-one mentoring with professional scientists
- Host of the first permanent Ocean Observatory in Africa
- Located in the highly biodiverse Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
BCSS is an innovative platform, hosting the first permanent ocean observatory focused on multi-ecosystem time series research in Africa. The facility opened its doors in 2017 to address core scientific and conservation needs in the Bazaruto Archipelago, and to use its strategic location and data to support environmental management at a local level, facilitate regional collaboration and contribute to international scientific programs. This presents many opportunities for you to witness megafauna like sharks and whales from up close, to join research expeditions and dive and tag sharks, collect invaluable data and to analyse sea and learn about permaculture – all while staying on an idyllic island off the coast of Mozambique with a team of like-minded environmentalists.
Projects
All projects include
Accommodation
Transfers
Meals
Ecoventures
Marine research internship
Engage with professional marine research, the BCSS Ocean Observatory and an experienced team of leading scientists.$525/week4 - 12 weeks
Divemaster internship
Join the marine research projects at BCSS whilst training to become a Divemaster. Explore the Bazaruto Archipelago, collect scientific data, and gain in-depth knowledge of diving safety practices and dive theory.$500/week12 weeks
Scientific media internship
Work with complex gear including towed underwater camera devices and deployments in the ocean to monitor wildlife and gather valuable data. Document expeditions and contribute to various scientific objectives in middle of the BANP.$675/week2 - 3 weeks
Land and outreach internship
Learn about permaculture not only as a sustainable way of growing food, but also a way to provide food in a remote, dry location, and to offset carbon.$500/week4 - 12 weeks
Marine Science Volunteering Program
Contribute to the BCSS marine research projects and learn from the experienced scientists and managers on-site. Conduct research and collect scientific data while learning about marine science.$650/week2 - 8 weeks
About
About Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies
During your stay at BCSS you will assist at the Ocean Observatory and learn first-hand from our resident scientists about pressing environmental issues and what can be done about them. The objectives of research conducted by BCSS are divided over four major themes - ecosystem monitoring and function, species identification and habitat mapping, migratory fish population dynamics and land outreach. There are a total of four internships available: Divemaster, Marine Research, Scientific Media and Land and Outreach.
Why BCSS
BCSS’s founding principles are to understand, protect and guarantee, in the best possible way, marine science in Eastern African marine ecosystems and to support future generation’s management of this unique environment. Every visitor to BCSS, whether a documentary filmmaker, volunteer or scientist, contributes to this mission. The research station is permanent, and collects valuable data on marine life and ecosystems on a daily base, contributing to science both regionally and on an international scale. Every person who steps onto the BCSS premises helps the station to achieve the mission stated earlier.
BCSS employees are 70% local and we encourage local hirings to support the community as much as we possibly can. Extensive training is offered to our staff and there have been numerous occasions where our staff have been promoted due to their enthusiastic approach and commitment to our projects. We do extensive research during local hiring processes to ensure there is an even spread of employees amongst different families to ensure equality amongst the communities here on Benguerra Island. BCSS offers a watering station for hydration and cleaning for the local community which before had no direct access to potable water. The community collects approximately 750 litres per day from our station.
Mission
BCSS is an innovative platform hosting the first permanent Ocean Observatory focused on multi-ecosystem time-series research in Africa.
Vision
To use our strategic location and data to support environmental management at a local level, facilitate regional collaboration and contribute to international scientific programs.
Day in the life
Our days are filled with research activities, complemented by free time to relax and unwind with your fellow volunteers and project staff. Volunteers will also have some free time during most weekends, to enjoy the many recreational activities of the Bazaruto Archipelago, or simply read a book on an unspoilt, empty beach. A hearty breakfast is served at 7am, whereafter you will be briefed on the days activities. In the morning you will go out with the research boat for expeditions; the expeditions missions vary from mapping ocean wildlife, and diving, to shark or fish tagging, DNA sampling and redeployment of sensors. Around noon, lunch will be served at the station. In the afternoon you will be joining various projects from BCSS, e.g. permaculture community garden training, adding to the wildlife database from photo or video footage, or assisting the researchers in the laboratory. Dinner is served at 7pm.