Monitoring and Studying Whale Sharks
By Jolie Ganzell ‘25
Collecting data and conducting underwater research via professional diving
WSORC/BICD Mission Statement: To integrate the highest standard of dive training with current conservation projects in Utila by developing skills necessary for furthering a career in marine conservation and professional diving.
My work:
- Lionfish containment and data collection
- REEF fish species and abundance surveys
- Stony Coral Tissue Loss
- Disease monitoring and treatment
- Coral nursery maintenance
- PADI Divemaster training
Personal Takeaways:
This summer I advanced my goals of a career in marine research by becoming a PADI Divemaster. While diving, I discovered my passion for conducting underwater research. I loved getting to collect data and restore ecosystems almost every day and experience firsthand the incredible environment that I am learning about.
Internship funded by the Peter Buck Internship Fund.