After spending my first two weeks settling into life at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, passing my marine mammal test, and beginning my research project, week three brought a new set of experiences. I made progress with my literature review, welcomed some new interns to the base, and had my first introduction to the practical side of marine research.
It was a week of balancing independent research with new activities, meeting people, and getting out to explore more of the marine environment.
Monday: New Arrivals and Getting to Know Everyone
Monday began with more work on my literature review. I continued reading and organising scientific papers relevant to my research question, “Can we predict category behaviour by the event behaviour of short-beaked common dolphins?”
With my first draft deadline approaching, I wanted to make as much progress as possible and build a good foundation for my research project.
We also welcomed some new interns to Archipelagos. In the evening, we took part in some icebreaker activities to get to know one another, followed by a game of flunk ball, which is a game from the Netherlands.
It was a fun way to meet the new arrivals and spend time together away from our work. With people coming from different backgrounds and countries, these activities are a great opportunity to get to know everyone and settle into life at the base.
Tuesday: Back to the Literature Review
On Tuesday, I headed to Kampos and continued working on my literature review.
Although reading scientific papers can sometimes feel like a slow process, it is an important part of developing a research project. The more I read, the more I can build my understanding of the topic and begin to see how different studies relate to my own research question.
I spent the rest of the day concentrating on my work before having a relaxing evening.
Wednesday: First Draft Completed!
Wednesday was an important milestone because I completed and handed in the first draft of my literature review by the end of the day.
After spending much of the previous week and the beginning of this week researching and reading scientific papers, it was satisfying to have a first version finished and submitted.
A literature review is an important starting point for any research project because it helps establish what is already known about a subject and provides context for the work that follows. Completing this first draft felt like a step forward in turning my research question into a more developed project.
Of course, handing in the first draft doesn’t mean the work is finished. There will still be opportunities to improve and refine it, but having something completed gives me a clearer starting point for the next stage.
After getting it submitted, I had a relaxing evening and enjoyed having a little time away from my laptop!
Thursday: My First Survey and Kayak Training
Thursday was one of the most exciting days of the week because I began getting involved in some of the practical activities associated with my placement.
I started the day as shore support for my first survey. This was my first experience supporting a survey in this way, and it gave me an introduction to a different side of the work compared with the independent studying and literature research I had been doing so far.
After returning from the survey, I got ready for kayak training.
During the session, we learned how to steer the kayaks and practised what to do if we capsized. These were important skills to begin developing before spending more time on the water.
It was a nice change from spending most of my time reading scientific papers, and I enjoyed having the opportunity to start developing practical skills alongside my research.
Later, I also began working on my project proposal. With the first draft of my literature review submitted, I could start thinking about how to develop my research question into a more structured plan for the months ahead.
Thursday felt like a turning point in my placement, as I was beginning to experience both the research and practical sides of marine conservation.
Friday: Developing My Project Proposal
On Friday, I continued working on my project proposal, building on the work I had already completed for my literature review.
The proposal is another important stage of the research process, as it involves developing a clearer plan for how I will approach my research question and what I hope to investigate.
Although there is still a lot to learn, it is exciting to see the different parts of the project beginning to come together.
After a productive day, I went out for a meal in the evening before heading to the bar for DJ night. It was a good way to finish the working week, enjoy some time with everyone, and relax after several days of research and training.
Saturday: Exploring Beneath the Surface
After a busy week, Saturday began at a slower pace. I had a late wake-up and spent some time relaxing and colouring before heading out to go snorkelling.
It was lovely to spend some time in the water and see some really nice fish. Being surrounded by marine life was a great reminder of why learning about and protecting the marine environment is so important.
I also tried diving while we were out snorkelling, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get my ears to pop, so I wasn’t able to dive as I had hoped.
Even so, I enjoyed the experience and was happy to have spent some time exploring the underwater world. After several days of studying and working on my research, it was refreshing to step away from the laptop and experience the marine environment more directly.
Sunday: A Slower Day
Sunday was a quieter day, giving me time to catch up on some personal tasks and relax before the next week began.
I spent some time working on this blog, reflecting on the experiences and progress I had made over the past few days. Later, I went for a walk to the bakery and spent the rest of the day colouring and watching a film.
Having a slower day was a nice way to recharge after a busy week that had included a literature review deadline, my first survey experience, and kayak training.
Three Weeks Down: Taking the Next Steps
Looking back, week three felt like a step forward in my placement at Archipelagos.
One of the biggest achievements was completing and submitting the first draft of my literature review. This has helped me move further into the academic side of my research and prepare for the next stage: developing my project proposal.
At the same time, my first survey experience and kayak training gave me an introduction to the practical skills involved in working in a marine environment. These experiences were a welcome change from spending most of my time studying and highlighted the variety of activities that can make up a marine conservation placement.
Outside of work, welcoming new interns, playing games, going out for meals, and snorkelling all helped make the week varied and enjoyable.
I’m still at the beginning of my eight-month placement, but it is exciting to see my research gradually taking shape while I begin developing new practical skills.
With my literature review draft submitted and my project proposal underway, I’m looking forward to seeing what the next week brings!
Three weeks down, and plenty more to discover.
