Mindblowing – Maryssa’s internship perspective

Mindblowing! That’s the word that best describes each day spent on D’Arros and in the St Joseph atoll. I got the opportunity to spend two and a half amazing weeks on D’Arros with the Save Our Seas team to develop my field skills and learn about the different projects being carried out at the D’Arros Research Centre.

Hello my name is Maryssa Samedi and I’m 21 years of age, currently studying for my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of Seychelles. My love for nature was onset from the age of 5 after continuously seeing forest fires around my place of stay at that time on Praslin. As time went by, with new experiences and opportunities such as the D’Arros Experience in 2014, my interests shifted towards the marine environment. Upon arrival, I met the most welcoming team that facilitated my way into this new working environment. Coming back to D’Arros felt nostalgic as I’ve had the privilege to visit this pristine island before. As I started to view it from a conservationist perspective I’ve learned about the hard work and monitoring practices that go on behind scenes to help this area stay (mostly) untouched by human activities.

Maryssa (third from right, bottom) back in 2014 during the D'Arros Experience kids camps at St Joseph atoll. Photo © Save Our Seas Foundation

The team quickly got us geared up for our first adventure into the atoll where went camping to have an early start for one of the long-term monitoring projects. Remote camping with nothing but our gear and essentials for basic living felt like home instantly. Camp had a way of slowing everyone down, being in the moment, making us work with time instead of against time. As dusk settled the team gathered for the nightly patrols along the beach, a 12km walk that allowed us to experience nature at its most peaceful yet eventful time. Our skill development began instantly with monitoring turtle tracks and learning about the importance of tagging and monitoring. In some cases a tedious task but the patience needed when dealing with a nesting turtle taught me a few things; things that are done right take time and you should definitely stick to your instincts.

Maryssa and Elgin engaged in the work of juvenile shark tagging. Photo by Terence Vel | © Save Our Seas Foundation

The days spent in the atoll were better and more astonishing each time we visited, the untouched scenery before my very eyes left me speechless on more than one occasion. At the same time while enjoying and being left mesmerised the atoll tested my patience, endurance and willingness to persevere. The team was quick to assist on the work ups and routine runs on how they efficiently carry out their field surveys, which required me to be quick, ready to move, alert and precise when measuring and even entering data. I saw that I was continuously being put to the test with every task at hand. Safe to say it was the first time I had to use all of my five senses at once and they had to be precise. Although timid at first and relying on the safe side of data entry, the team encouraged me to take bolder roles such as doing work ups to help me out of my comfort zone.

Helping out cutting a trail through from the lagoon to camp on St Joseph. Photo by Henriette Grimmel | © Save Our Seas Foundation

Around D’Arros the team is continuously surveying the area for manta rays, the survey can be done from the boat and through remote camera. In order to reach the “MantaCam”, the team usually do a short dive and change the cameras at the cleaning station. As an open water diver my confidence while diving wasn’t as solid before, as it is now coming out of this experience. Through a couple of exercises and buoyancy practice offered by the dive instructor on the island the team gave me the chance to experience the marine flora and fauna along the reef of D’Arros in a more relaxed and changed perspective. From megafauna encounters to the smallest patch of life in the area along the reef made me appreciate the beauty of nature being left untouched and undisturbed.

Maryssa on her blue water safety stop at D'Arros. Photo by Henriette Grimmel | © Save Our Seas Foundation

Coming out of this internship is bittersweet. With great knowledge and confidence acquired through various challenges along the way, it also means leaving behind a safe haven with great acquaintances established. Safe to say D’Arros has engraved itself deep into my heart.