Getting a taste of research life and grabbing some inspiration

Where should I even begin?  Turtles, sharks, rays and guess what? Mantas. The only word that comes to mind when I think of my one-month-long internship at D’Arros is: PHENOMENAL!

Looking out at the scenery during a turtle track walk at St Joseph Atoll. Photo by Ellie Moulinie | © Save Our Seas Foundation

My name is Nadisha Malbrook, and I am a second-year environmental science student at the University of Seychelles. Fortunately, I got to experience hands-on research on mantas and their feeding ecology with the SOSF-DRC team. I also learnt about the mark and recapture methods the team uses to track the juvenile sharks in the St Joseph Atoll.

Nadisha learning about umbilical scar stage of juvenile lemon sharks. Photo by Henriette Grimmel | © Save Our Seas Foundation

My favourite part during the whole internship was snorkelling with mantas. The experience was truly life-changing. As I snorkelled, one specific manta out of the 18 that were present swam around me, and it felt surreal. I could have sworn that it was communicating the way it looked into my eyes. It has encouraged my interest in manta behavioural research. With my heart pounding, I decided they were my favourite animal.

My days there were not restricted to only marine research; with the DRC team, I went camping on St Joseph for two whole nights! It was my first camping, and I wish everybody could experience it at least once. During my time there, I got the privilege to tag turtles with the team’s help, watch a beautiful sunset together and play a fun game of Monopoly Deal after a long day.

Loving turtles, Nadisha was very happy we opportunistically caught this juvenile green during a day in the atoll. Photo by Henriette Grimmel | © Save Our Seas Foundation

My time spent on the island has pushed my interest further into my field; it has inspired me to apply all the knowledge I gathered in my classes and spread awareness about marine conservation and species amongst my family, friends and local community. I believe that the University of Seychelles and the Save Our Seas Foundation are genuinely helping the youth understand how little steps and efforts can make positive, huge impacts for future generations.