Diadema Restoration Internship

Contribute to the recovery of long-spined sea urchins, a key species for reef health, and gain valuable hands-on experience in marine conservation
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Diadema antillarum population in Bonaire

Ready to make a meaningful impact on Caribbean coral reefs?

Join Reef Renewal Bonaire to study the long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum), a keystone species critical to the health of coral reefs. Populations of D. antillarum in the Caribbean were severely affected by a mass mortality event in 1983 and, as a native algae grazer, restoring their populations is crucial to our restoration efforts. This internship focuses on pinpointing urchin settlement hotspots along Bonaire’s leeward coast to fill essential knowledge gaps. Engage in hands-on fieldwork, build expertise in marine conservation, and play a key role in advancing reef restoration in Bonaire.

Read about Diadema Antillarum
diadema antillarum settler substrate

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Applicants should be enrolled in a BSc or MSc program in marine biology/ecology, environmental science, or related field.
  • Applicants should have experience with fieldwork or data collection in the field.
  • Applicants should be highly motivated, able to work independently, and passionate about coral reef restoration.
  • Applicants must have Dutch or American citizenship.
  • Applicants must have a SCUBA certification and at least 30 logged dives.
  • Applicants need to be physically fit and able to work in the water and sun. Selected candidates are required to fill in a Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire. This questionnaire provides a basis to determine if you should seek a dive evaluation by a certified physician.
  • Applicants need to provide own living expenses (housing, transportation, food) and dive gear (excluding tanks and weights).
  • Travel and dive insurance recommended.

Key Activities

Fieldwork and Monitoring:

  • Monthly deployment and retrieval of Diadema settlement collectors at six reef sites.
  • Conduct monthly data collection on settlement rates and trends.

Data Analysis:

  • Analyse settlement data to identify high-density locations and seasonal patterns.
  • Contribute to determining optimal restocking sites.

Support for Reef Renewal Projects:

  • Along with conducting Diadema research tasks, you will also participate in the Reef Renewal internship program.
  • You will assist with day-to-day operations, including coral nursery maintenance, outplanting efforts, and outreach

Quick Overview

Start date :
March 24, 2025

Duration:
6 Months

Position:
Full-time (40 hours a week)

Intern must provide:
Living cost (housing, food, transportation) and dive gear (excluding tanks and weights).

Compensation:
Unpaid

Apply Now

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter (detailing relevant experience and motivation), SCUBA certification, and number of logged dives to info@reefrenewalbonaire.org.