Restoration and Research Internship

HANDS-ON CORAL REEF SCIENCE. REAL DATA. REAL IMPACT.

The Livingseas Restoration & Research Internship is a four-week, field-based programme designed for marine biology students, graduates and early-career marine scientists seeking real-world experience in coral reef conservation. This internship prioritises practical research components over introductory-level training, focusing on strengthening field and analytical skillsets.

Working side-by-side with the Livingseas Team in Padangbai, Bali, you will actively contribute to coral planting efforts and conservation programmes, in addition to ongoing research projects—collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. With small intake groups (maximum four interns), you’ll receive personalised training and mentorship. During the internship, you will build confidence as a scientific diver and develop transferable skills for careers in coral reef conservation.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Learn all about coral reef restoration and what it takes to establish and maintain a restoration programme
• Learn how to effectively plan and execute a variety of standardised scientific survey methodologies, used for coral reef restoration monitoring
• Learn how to analyse benthic, fish, and photogrammetry data using various software applications
• Learn how to master your buoyancy and become an effective and reliable scientific diver by completing our scientific diving basic training
• Record initial restoration metrics and collect scientific long-term monitoring data on the Livingseas restoration site
• Work closely with the Livingseas Research Team, collecting and analysing real data for Livingseas and our collaborators
• Immerse yourself in all aspects of reef restoration at Livingseas - assist our team with coral planting, site maintenance, coral harvesting and building artificial structures
• Assist Livingseas with education and outreach programmes (based on bookings and availability), including coral planting workshops and Conservation Diver courses

Upon completion of the first month, you can stay and assist Livingseas with science/restoration activities for as long as you like! We only ask for a fee of IDR 500,000 for each diving day, which covers the costs of tanks for 2 dives, dive equipment, boat, fuel, and lunch.

Start Dates

January, April, July, October (possibility of additional intakes upon request)

Duration

Four weeks (extensions available)

Inclusions

• 32 dives (22 Scientific training dives + 10 optional restoration dives)
• Teaching presentations covering a variety of topics key to establishing, managing, and monitoring a reef restoration site
• Training workshops on coral health, benthic, fish, and photogrammetry data collection and corresponding analysis software
• All required underwater survey materials
• Dive equipment
• Lunch (6 days/week, except on days off)
• Visa assistance and pre-arrival support
• Airport transfer from/to Denpasar International Airport
• Livingseas t-shirt
• 25% off SSI dive courses with Livingseas
• Career support and advice

Prerequisites

• Completed or studying a degree in Marine/Environmental Science or a related subject
• Basic knowledge of Indo-Pacific reef fish + coral families (preferred)
• SSI/PADI Advanced Open Water diver (or equivalent from another certifying agency. Can be completed at Livingseas for an additional fee (+ time)
• Personal laptop

Recommended Equipment

• Dive Computer
• Dive Mask + Fins

Program Cost

IDR 25.000.000

Additional Cost

Accommodation, Breakfast + Dinner, General Living Expenses, Visa Fees

Options

• Internship Extension! Stay as long as you want and assist the science team with surveys and analysis (only pay for dive days)!
• Specialty Dive Courses at discounted rates