The Coastal Explorer Internship is a six-month role managed by ABEC, working in partnership with The Crown Estate, Vattenfall, and Canterbury City Council. I came across this opportunity during my final year at Newcastle University, where I studied a BSc in Marine Biology and it immediately sparked my interest. At a time when I was ready to take that first step into my marine career, it felt like the perfect opportunity.
I can honestly say this internship has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences I’ve had. The level of support in building skills across a wide range of areas from marine planning and field surveys to public speaking and project management is incredible.
One of the standout aspects was the people. I had the chance to work alongside an inspiring cohort, building a strong and lasting professional network that helped shape my thinking about future career paths in the marine sector.
Shark Tagging Feasibility Study
Throughout the six months, I worked closely with my fellow intern, Ben Long. Our key project was a feasibility study exploring the development of a citizen science-led small shark tagging program in Kent.
A personal highlight was engaging with local anglers. Their deep knowledge of the waters proved invaluable, and it was incredibly rewarding to shape the direction of our study based on their insights.
Our research identified a historical presence of 20 species of sharks, skates, and rays (collectively known as elasmobranchs) in Kent waters. This reinforced the ecological importance of the region and provided strong evidence supporting the need for a local tagging program to better understand these often elusive species.
Kent Dolphin Project
Alongside the joint project, I led my own initiative: the Kent Dolphin Project. This citizen science programme, run by ABEC in partnership with the Sussex Dolphin Project, focuses on monitoring and protecting dolphins, whales, and porpoises (cetaceans) in Kent waters.
I began by researching historical sightings and discovered records of 18 cetacean species over the past 120 years, with a notable hotspot in Dungeness.
I also supported monthly landwatch training sessions, helping volunteers learn how to collect high-quality data. One of my favourite moments was spotting several harbour porpoises and seals during the very first session at Dungeness, an unforgettable experience!
Beyond the Projects
Outside of these main projects, the internship offered a wide range of additional opportunities and it certainly kept me busy!
At The Crown Estate, I worked with the Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) team to improve how project data is communicated through the Marine Data Exchange platform. This work supports better decision-making in offshore wind development by ensuring high-quality evidence is accessible and usable.
With a strong interest in renewable energy, this was a particularly exciting area for me to get involved in. One of the best aspects of the internship was its flexibility, allowing me to tailor experiences to my own interests.
Other highlights included:
- Presenting a poster on the Kent Dolphin Project at the East Kent Conservation Research Symposium
- Field and lab work monitoring the Benfleet and Southend Marshes SPA
- Attending major conferences such as ReMeMaRe, Blue Finance, and Coastal Futures
Wrapping Up and What’s Next
The internship concluded in December with a final presentation at The Crown Estate’s London offices, bringing together the 2025 cohort and project partners. It was a fantastic way to celebrate everything we had achieved.
I’m incredibly proud to now be stepping into a new role as a Data and Evidence Advisor at The Crown Estate. I’ll be working across a range of projects to ensure that the best available data is used in managing the seabed sustainably.
I truly wouldn’t have had this opportunity without the internship—and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone considering applying.
