My Internship With Citizens Of The Great Barrier Reef: Marine Conservation Experience in Australia
Have you ever found yourself gazing at the ocean, captivated by its vastness and the mysteries it holds beneath its surface?
Growing up, I dreamt of exploring the world's most amazing coral reefs, and perhaps none are as renowned as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
So imagine my elation when, after years of longing and anticipation, I found myself standing on the shores of Cairns, Australia, ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
But this was no ordinary journey—it was the culmination of a dream, a testament to perseverance, and an opportunity to immerse myself in the world of marine conservation.
From learning to scuba dive on the iconic Great Barrier Reef to participating in reef restoration projects and engaging with local communities, every moment was an opportunity to deepen my connection to the ocean and contribute to its preservation.
I hope that telling the story of my once-in-a-lifetime internship opportunity will inspire you to pursue your own journey in marine conservation, so let’s dive in! (pardon the pun)
But wait, have we met before?
Before we explore how to make an impact together, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Maddie, and my brand is all about travel, our oceans, and sustainability.
Today, I'll take you behind the scenes of my internship, sharing the remarkable encounters, awe-inspiring moments, and valuable lessons learned along the way!
If you prefer, you can go watch my YouTube video here! ⬇
Introduction to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
Before diving into my internship experience, let me introduce you to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
This organisation unites volunteers, tourists, scientists, and other organisations to protect one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.
Their mission is to empower individuals to become conservationists and conduct citizen science to safeguard the reef, regardless of where they are in the world.
Landing the Internship
I stumbled upon an advert from STA Travel promoting a competition for a 6-week internship with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
Despite my initial disbelief, I decided to apply.
After a rigorous selection process, I was chosen out of 840 applicants for the internship—a surreal moment that left me in tears of joy!
Travelling to Australia from the UK
Heading to Australia for my internship with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef was a whirlwind of emotions!
I'm on the plane, buzzing with excitement as I make my way to Cairns.
The thought of finally diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef had me practically bouncing in my seat!
I mean, it was a dream come true!
Little did I know, this journey wasn't just about ticking off a bucket list item; it was about discovering a passion for marine conservation that would stick with me for life.
Oh, and my boyfriend, Kyle, and our friend, Steve, also came with me on this trip, as they had nothing better to do, so win-win!
Here’s me with Steve (left) and Kyle (right) on a weekend trip to Kuranda, QLD.
Meeting the Team at Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
I remember feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as I walked into Citizens HQ for the first time.
There was Andy Ridley, the founding CEO, full of passion and knowledge in the realm of marine conservation.
And then there was Som Meaden, the technical wizard behind the scenes, who would be guiding me through the ins and outs of my internship itinerary.
Despite the initial jitters, their warm welcome put me at ease, and I knew right then and there that I was in for an incredible journey ahead!
Meeting Andy Ridley, CEO of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
Diving into Conservation Work
Divers Den: Becoming a Certified Scuba Diver
One of the first activities on my internship agenda was learning how to scuba dive.
This had been a lifelong dream of mine, and I couldn't believe I was about to make it a reality!
I spent the best part of a week at Divers Den, a renowned dive centre in Cairns, mastering the basics of scuba diving.
After completing the theory part of my PADI Open Water certification, I embarked on a two-day liveaboard trip and got to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef firsthand.
It was an experience like no other, witnessing the vibrant marine life in its natural habitat and feeling truly immersed in the underwater world!
My first ever open water dive… on the Great Barrier Reef!
Fitzroy Island Resort: Turtle Rehabilitation and Coral Restoration
During my internship, I had the privilege of staying at Fitzroy Island Resort, located off the coast of Cairns.
Here, I learned about the work that was conducted at the turtle rehabilitation centre and also learnt about the coral restoration initiatives around the island.
I spent two days learning about their conservation efforts, exploring the island, and trying out activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
It was a hands-on experience that deepened my appreciation for the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving them.
The beautiful Fitzroy Island and their famous Nudey Beach.
Reef Check Australia: Citizen Science and Reef Health Surveys
Another highlight of my internship was joining Reef Check Australia on their annual reef health survey around Fitzroy Island.
As part of this global nonprofit organisation, I had the opportunity to learn firsthand how to conduct reef surveys and collect valuable data to support coral reef conservation efforts.
It was inspiring to work alongside dedicated volunteers and scientists who share a passion for protecting our oceans.
Team Reef Check Australia and I after their annual reef health survey on Fitzroy Island.
Exploring Townsville: A Hub of Marine Conservation
Reef HQ Aquarium: Turtle Research and Rehabilitation
In Townsville, I spent time at Reef HQ Aquarium, where I gained insights into turtle research and rehabilitation efforts.
I was shocked to learn about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, particularly turtles, and the urgent need for conservation action.
Meeting volunteers from organisations like Reef Ecologic further emphasised the importance of community-driven initiatives in marine conservation.
Turtle and marine plastic samples used in research at Reef HQ.
Reef Ecologic: Reef Restoration Projects
I had the privilege of spending a day with Nathan Cook, an applied scientist at Reef Ecologic, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to reef restoration projects.
Together, we visited Magnetic Island as part of a reef restoration project aimed at removing invasive macroalgae.
It was a hands-on experience that highlighted the critical role of active conservation measures in restoring coral reef ecosystems.
Reef Ecologic’s Nathan Cook and I before snorkelling to find coral quadrants in the macroalgae.
Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS): Marine Research and Innovation
A visit to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (or AIMS for short) was a highlight of my time in Townsville.
Here, I had the opportunity to tour the institute, learn about cutting-edge research initiatives, and even contribute to mapping Australia's ancient rivers!
It was a fascinating glimpse into the world of marine science and innovation, further fueling my passion for marine conservation.
My tour of the AIMS facility. Here I am visiting their coral nursaries.
AMPTO: Targeted Crown of Thorns Starfish Control Program
One of the most impactful experiences of my internship was joining AMPTO's targeted crown of thorns starfish control program.
These invasive starfish pose a significant threat to coral reefs, and I witnessed firsthand the efforts to control their population through culling programs.
Despite facing challenges like seasonal cyclones, the dedication of conservation teams was truly inspiring!
The AMPTO team injecting COTS with bile salts as part of their COTS control programme.
Challenges and Growth
While the internship was a dream come true, it wasn't without its challenges.
Imposter syndrome and self-doubt crept in as I questioned my qualifications and skills as a content creator.
Yet, despite these doubts, I persevered, documenting my experiences and sharing them with the world.
A Life-Changing Journey
Looking back, my internship with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef was a pivotal moment in my life.
It fueled my passion for marine conservation and inspired me to start this YouTube channel.
I'm forever grateful for the opportunities it provided and the people I met along the way!
Stay tuned for a new YouTube video and blog where I delve deeper into the work of Citizens and share tips on landing internships in conservation.
Join the Conservation Movement
If you're inspired by my journey and want to get involved in marine conservation, there are countless opportunities waiting for you!
Whether it's volunteering, participating in citizen science projects, or simply raising awareness, every action counts.
Together, we can protect and preserve our precious oceans for generations to come!
If you're inspired to start your sustainability journey or need resources and inspiration, check out these other pages next!
Thank you for reading, and if you found this valuable, please share it with other you think would find it valuable too! Stay tuned for my next blog. Sign up to my email list or follow me on socials so you don’t miss out!
