A voice for the environment
What do you want to be when you grow up? A question we were all asked at some point, and my answer has evolved over the years. My internship on D’Arros has helped strengthen the idea that whichever role I end up in, I want it centred around being a voice for the environment.
Elma enjoying the calm conditions in St Joseph Atoll after a dive deploying acoustic receivers. Photo by Maria Monthy | © Save Our Seas Foundation
My name is Elma Balette, aged 23, and a young conservationist. I have been fortunate enough to work on some of the most secluded islands in Seychelles, where I kick-started my career as a ranger. I have always enjoyed spending time in nature, but only after fully immersing myself in studying various species and ecosystems—and watching the curiosity light up in other people’s eyes—did I truly consider making a career out of it.
Elma snorkeling above some of the healthy, biodiverse coral reef that surrounds D'Arros. Photo by Luke Saddler | © Save Our Seas Foundation
My internship with Save Our Seas Foundation D’Arros Research Centre started on February 20th, 2026. I dove into all long-term monitoring projects: turtle monitoring, marine litter collection, Manta surveys and ID, MantaCams, juvenile shark PIT tagging, Coral Point Count (CPC), and acoustic receiver swaps. I also had the chance to work alongside inspiring scientists, with a front-row seat to project planning, real-time adjustments, and all the critical thinking and problem solving that comes with it. Camping on St Joseph Atoll is definitely a highlight of my stay; I’m no stranger to roughing it with the most basic amenities, and it always feels liberating to disconnect from the mundane under a sky full of stars. The D’Arros Experience kids camp was a different kind of magic: experimenting with new ways to make science click for younger audiences reminded me why storytelling and conservation go hand in hand.
Elma holding a juvenile sicklefin lemon shark (Nagaprion acoutidens) for measurement, weighing, tagging and release. Photo by Luke Saddler | © Save Our Seas Foundation
I feel extremely grateful to have interned on D’Arros. It was the perfect opportunity to sharpen my diving skills and open my eyes to the marine conservation world, beyond my previous roles. I’m leaving with a full heart and wonderful memories, and that is thanks to the amazing team I had the pleasure of working with—passionate about their work, and even more passionate about sharing it. Their enthusiasm is contagious and genuinely inspires those around them to get involved and make a difference.
A fieldwork team selfie taken by Elma Balette (right) with Anna Koester (middle) and Maria Monthy (left) collecting environmental data in St Joseph Atoll. Photo by Elma Balette | © Save Our Seas Foundation.
Looking forward, I aim to carry the skills I’ve built here into whatever path comes next; whether that’s in tourism, policy and advocacy, or as a conservation ranger. Because I believe that when enough of us show up and play our part, a more sustainable future stops being a dream and starts being the plan. Let’s save our home, and save our seas.