Context and Host Organization

The Caribbean Cetacean Society is a non-profit organization committed to the protection of whales and dolphins throughout the region. Its mission is to foster inter-island cooperation, conduct research to address critical data gaps, and use scientific evidence to inform effective, locally adapted conservation measures. CCS also works to raise public awareness about the ecological significance and vulnerability of cetaceans.

Through this collaboration, WWF-NL supports efforts to advance cetacean research, raise awareness of the need for their protection, and promote regional cooperation to achieve shared conservation goals. These actions contribute to WWF’s broader objectives in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR), including the creation of Blue Corridors, the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and the expansion and management of the Yarari Marine Mammal Sanctuary in the Dutch Caribbean.

As part of this shared commitment, we are seeking two interns to support our work in strengthening relationships with local marine stakeholders and assisting in the collection of vital information to ensure the long-term protection of Caribbean cetaceans.

Internship 1: Coastal Dolphins in Bonaire

As part of this internship, you will evaluate the yearlong shore-based dolphin monitoring protocol currently implemented on Bonaire, analyzing species presence and seasonal trends from the coastal dataset collected. This internship will contribute to improving monitoring protocols and providing insight into long-term trends in cetacean presence. The goal is to produce results that will contribute to a peer-reviewed publication focusing on:

• Analysis of year + long dolphin presence data collected from shore-based surveys.
• Evaluation the effectiveness and robustness of the current monitoring protocol.
• Identification species-specific patterns in presence and possible seasonal variability.
• Draft a report with recommendations for future monitoring.

This is a data-driven, research-focused internship, ideal for Master’s students with an interest in marine conservation and spatial ecology. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to analyze data such as visual sightings, photo-identification records collected between 2024 and 2025. Tasks include:

• Conducting a literature review on cetacean presence in Bonaire, including a review of historic data;
• Analyzing photo-identification to assess species presence, temporal trends, succession and movement;
• Participating in a scientific field expedition (tentative, based on timeline and performance);
• Supporting ongoing CCS activities, outreach, and research.

Internship 2: Diversity, distribution, movement, and habitat in the ABC islands

As part of this internship, you will contribute to the scientific analysis of data collected during our standardized research expeditions across the ABC Islands. The goal is to produce results that will contribute to a peer-reviewed publication focusing on:

• Species diversity and distribution,
• Individual movements and sighting rates,
• Identified threats, and
• Evaluation of our standardized research protocol.

This is a data-driven, research-focused internship, ideal for Master’s students with an interest in marine conservation and spatial ecology. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to analyze data such as visual sightings, photo-identification records, and acoustic recordings collected between 2022 and 2025. Tasks include:

• Conducting a literature review on cetacean studies in the ABC Islands;
• Creating species distribution models using CCS datasets;
• Analyzing photo-identification and acoustic data to assess threats and individual movements
• Participating in a scientific field expedition (tentative, based on timeline and performance);
• Supporting ongoing CCS activities, outreach, and research.

For both internships

If scheduling allows, the selected intern will participate in CCS’s ABC Islands expedition in September/October, followed by a field visit to Bonaire, before continuing the internship at CCS headquarters in Martinique.

Supervising

The internship will be supervised by Stacey Mac Donald (CCS strategy and program manager, PhD), Arjan de Groene (WWF-NL) and with support from Jeffrey Bernus (CCS director and marine biologist). The intern will also collaborate with Gwen Versteegh, CCS ambassador and the project manager of the Bonaire Coastal program, and Lucas Bernier & Louise Simon, at CCS.

General Information

• Duration: 6 months, ideally from September to February
• The internship will take place at the organization's office in Sainte-Luce, Martinique
• Life in Martinique is expensive; it is recommended to research this when considering the application
• Travel opportunities: Fieldwork in Aruba or Bonaire or Curaçao (tentative)
• WWF-NL provides a student stipend of 550 Euros/month.
• Driver's license (Permis B) recommended

Applicant profile

We are looking for a motivated and independent student with the following profile:

• Research Master student
• Familiarity with the ABC islands or wider Caribbean region
• Strong knowledge of R programming for statistical analysis
• Experience with photo-identification and large dataset analysis
• Ideally: proficiency with GIS software (QGIS or equivalent)
• Interest in marine mammal conservation
• Rigor, autonomy, and team spirit are essential

Benefits

As an intern within the Caribbean Cetacean Society, you will benefit from the following advantages:

• Training and supervision by an experienced team in marine conservation
• Opportunity to contribute to cetacean preservation projects and marine ecosystem protection
• Acquisition of valuable skills in scientific research, conservation, and environmental awareness
• Possibility to participate in scientific expeditions for cetacean observation
• Gain impactful professional experience for your future career
• Monthly stipend of 550,- EUROS based on fulltime basis.

Application Process

Send your CV and cover letter in a single PDF file, using the following filename format: 2025INTERNSHIP_BON_LastName_FirstName.pdf

Your cover letter must include:

• Why you are a strong fit for this position
• What you hope to gain from the internship
• Your long-term goals in conservation or research
• Any previous experience in the Caribbean

Submit your application by August 20, 2025. Email to: stacey.macdonald@ccs-ngo.com and contact@ccs-ngo.com.

Please also fill out the following form to validate your application: https://forms.gle/zEybAQ4emHCVeB3a8.

Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. For any questions, feel free to reach out to us at the emails above.