Marine Wildlife Conservation
& Research Internship
Khmer Ocean Life is a new NGO in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot, operating in partnership with local NGO Samaky Organization. The marine conservation organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of coastal cetacean species, dugongs and turtles through scientific research, capacity building and outreach.
Khmer Ocean Life was founded by two experienced marine mammal researchers and conservationists, with support from the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration.
Through fieldwork, education and research; Khmer Ocean Life gives participants the opportunity to exchange research and work with experienced marine biologists, which enables them to broaden their perspectives and actively play a role in the future conservation of marine ecosystems.
What You'll be doing
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Take part in observational land surveys and boat surveys in collaboration with local fishing communities
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Assist with photo-identification: actively contributing to our longterm abundance and distribution projects
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Play a crucial role during Kampot Dolphin Ecotours to make sure the data is collected during the tours
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Data entry and processing
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Assisting on KOL's other projects such as bycatch mitigation and monitoring audits and swim like a dolphin
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Responding to marine mammal strandings
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Social media and content creation
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Assist Vachanak in the Kampot Dolphin Ecotour Visitor Center
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Assist with education outreach and workshops at local lower and upper schools
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Take part in local fishing community training
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Conducting independent research (if pre-agreed with the intern coordinator)
intern training
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Introduction to Khmer Ocean Life and Cambodia
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Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques including distance sampling, weather assessments and data sheet training
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Marine mammal identification of Cambodian species and cetacean behaviour training
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Marine vessel identification training
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Theory exam testing you on all the above information
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Photo ID training, granting you the skills to contribute to our long-term studies
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Equipment maintenance
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Basic marine mammal stranding training
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Khmer language classes allowing you to immerse in local life
Internship Requirements
We are looking for individuals with a keen interest in marine wildlife species and their conservation. We are looking for dedicated, motivated, and hard-working interns who are likely university students, recent graduates or have a background in animal behaviour or ecology. We are looking for those who can join us for a minimum period of one month and are happy to commit to early mornings for surveys. Interns must be able to speak and understand basic English.
After the completion of the above form, our team will evaluate your response and send you an email with the result of your application!
If successful, a remote interview will be conducted to get to know you more and so we can share further information about the internship.
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We can't wait to hear from you!
