Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a UK non-profit in partnership with a local NGO
Samaky Organization in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The
organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of marine mammal
species (Irrawaddy dolphins, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-pacific
finless porpoises, and dugongs), and their habitats, through research,
capacity building, community collaboration, and outreach.
We are looking for marine mammal research and conservation interns to join
the team who can commit to at least one month. We conduct our work
year-round, and applicants are encouraged to apply any time. Longer-term
applicants are encouraged to apply. We are looking for people to join as
soon as possible, as we have current *openings from March 2026 onwards*.
*What to expect?*
Internships are customized to each intern based on personal and academic
skills and interests, and interns are encouraged to specialize in targeted
areas of conservation including social media management and ecological
research.
We are open to collaborations with universities for the completion of a
thesis or associated report. You are also welcome to conduct your own
research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill
set, and length of stay.
Our work is multifaceted and extends into multiple areas of conservation.
While a large part of our project activities and intern training involves
data collection, we prioritize internal and external capacity building for
our team members and the local community. Prioritizing the empowerment of
community members allows us to engage with conservation work in a variety
of ways and become immersed in science and local life.
Project activities:
· Ecological surveys (weather dependent!) with a basis in animal behaviour
and anthropogenic impact monitoring:
-
Boat surveys in collaboration with local fishing communities
-
Land surveys
· Post fieldwork activities:
-
Photo-identification
-
Data entry and proofing
· Community involvement and capacity building
-
Responding to marine mammal bycatch and stranding events
-
Social media and content creation
-
Education and outreach in local schools
-
Beach clean-ups
-
Monthly team outings e.g. visiting a local waterfall or mangrove planting
-
Citizen science training for community members
· Current Projects:
- Depending on your length of stay and project stage there may be the
opportunity to become involved with the following:
-
Cambodian Marine Mammal Bycatch and Stranding Network (CMMBSN)
-
Bycatch mitigation and action plan (BMAP)
-
Ghost net removal
-
Acoustic deterrent device implementation
-
University collaboration
-
Partnerships with international marine mammal organizations
Internship training includes:
· Research method training on observational land and boat surveying
techniques
· Marine mammal identification and behaviour training
· Marine vessel identification training
· Field data collection and data entry training
· Grant writing workshop
· Weekly Khmer language lessons
Internship requirements:
We are looking for dedicated and motivated interns who would love to join
our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a
keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome,
including University students, recent graduates, experienced
conservationists, and individuals who want to gain experience in marine
mammal conservation.
Project site & fee:
The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern
accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with
everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of
the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation are
included in the 700 USD per month fee, but not your food, giving you
freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like.
For more information visit our website: Khmer Ocean Life
<https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/>
There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume
stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to
[email protected] <[email protected]>m
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