Duration of Internship: September 2024-December 2024

Qualifications: Bsc. (Hons) Marine Biology and Oceanography, University of Plymouth (2022-2026)

During the 3 month internship at MER as part of a placement year at the University of Plymouth, Dhruv got opportunities to learn and develop a wide variety of skills in marine biology in field, lab and office settings. He contributed to an array of projects such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD) sampling campaign, Marine Litter Monitoring project and the application of a Marine Evidence-Based Sensitivity Assessment (MarESA) methodology off the south coast of Cyprus. Dhruv worked with all members of the team throughout, leading to many valuable discussions and insights into how short and long terms projects are completed as well as carrying out fieldwork, such as water and zooplankton sampling using a CTD, zooplankton net and integrated sampler aboard the MER Papa for WFD. Additionally, Dhruv was involved in the monitoring for the Marine Litter Monitoring project, collecting samples all around Cyprus at Lady’s Mile, Polis, Pyrgos, Paralimni, Larnaca and Lara beaches, which was followed by sorting them according to the EU joint list of Marine Macrolitter. Dhruv developed proficiencies in granulometry and the sorting/identification of macrofauna from WFD sediment samples and the filtration of water samples for microplastics in the lab. 

In the office, Dhruv enhanced literature review skills for the MarESA project, which involved assessing the impact of anthropogenic pressures such as vessel collisions and artificial light on species of local megafauna in the Levantine Basin. A highlight was the analysis of ROV footage and logbook management for an Offshore visual survey in the Katlan area, occurring at several 1000 metres below the water’s surface. This was especially enthusing for Dhruv due to the identification of deep sea fauna, seabed formations and litter in this area. The duration of the internship overall provided Dhruv with a lot of opportunities for personal and academic development throughout while allowing him to familiarise himself with a variety of new environments, taxa and ecosystems in Cyprus.

Personal statement: My internship at MER has provided a wide umbrella of experience in marine biology, in field, lab and academic/desk settings. Working on these national and international projects have developed my skills in these areas as a marine biologist while travelling Cyprus. The team are very welcoming, friendly and working alongside them has provided valuable insights into possible career directions in marine biology while being a fulfilling experience. I am very grateful for everything during my internship at MER, many thanks to everyone!