opportunities

Background 

The Blue Action Fund supported Sustho Sagor (Healthy Ocean) project, implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Bangladesh in partnership with WorldFish, seeks to strengthen a network of ecologically representative Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) across priority habitats in Bangladesh’s seascape. This initiative contributes to national biodiversity goals and global commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14: Life Below Water), and other international frameworks.  

As part of this project, WCS Bangladesh will conduct boat-based at-sea baseline and monitoring surveys on marine wildlife, focusing on indicator species such as small cetaceans, sharks, rays, and commercially important fish species.  

The Marine Megafauna and Fisheries Survey (MMF) is designed to:  

• Establish a baseline dataset for key species and habitats.  

• Collect information on human activities.  

• Inform marine spatial planning approaches and adaptive management strategies.  

• Support future monitoring efforts to measure the effectiveness of MPAs and OECMs in conserving biodiversity. 

• Provide evidence for policy and regulatory alignment with national and international conservation priorities.  

The survey will cover more than 3,400 km of transect lines, spanning approximately 18,000 sq. km, including SoNG, Nijhum Dwip MPAs, their surrounding waters, and connecting areas. 

Project Overview 

The Blue Action Fund supported Sustho Sagor (Healthy Ocean) project aims to strengthen the network of ecologically representative MPAs/OECMs across priority habitats in Bangladesh’s seascape to safeguard globally threatened marine wildlife and sustain coastal livelihoods, including those reliant on coastal small-scale fisheries. We will build on previous efforts to: 

• Increase the level of protection and improve the management of two existing MPAs, expand one of the two existing MPAs, and develop one new OECM linking with Bangladesh’s existing MPA network. 

• Institutionalize MPA governance and build capacity within the Bangladesh Forest Department and the Department of Fisheries to manage these areas in collaboration with each other and other relevant government agencies and local communities. 

• Empower fishers and their communities to have their voices heard and rights respected at the MPA management table, and improve their access to financial institutions and social services; and 

• Diversify the suite of livelihood strategies among men and women living in MPA impacted coastal fishing communities. 

Training Overview 

To build long-term capacity for marine megafauna and fisheries research in academic and government sectors, a comprehensive two-day long training program will be conducted in Dhaka prior to the survey. The training program will cover survey methodology, equipment handling, data collection and entry, safety at sea, and emergency response procedures, with hands-on practice. 

MMF Survey Activity Overview 

After having a competency test, only a selected number of participants will join the Marine Megafauna and Fisheries Survey. Through MMF survey, participants will gain practical experience in: 

• Boat-based wildlife observation and visual sighting survey techniques. 

• Standardized data collection methods. 

• Identification of dolphins, whales, sharks, rays, commercial fish, seabirds, marine turtles, and sea snakes in real field conditions. 

• GPS navigation, environmental data recording, fisheries gear and vessel classification, and fisher interview techniques. 

• Scientific data management, quality control, research ethics, and field safety. 

 

Opportunity 

WCS Bangladesh invites motivated students and recent graduates to apply for the training opportunity and potential paid internship positions (subject to selection criteria) in marine megafauna and fisheries survey methodologies under the Sustho Sagor Project. Benefits for selected interns include: 

• Travel allowance for the training day 

• Daily stipend of BDT 1200 for each active fieldwork day 

• Full coverage of food and accommodation during official field deployments 

These opportunities will strengthen participants’ technical, analytical, and professional skills for future careers in marine conservation. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Recent graduate or pursuing degree in Zoology, Fisheries, Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field. 

• Strong interest in marine megafauna and fisheries survey and field research 

• Mandatory swimming ability  

• Comfortable engaging with fishers for catches sample and interviews in field settings 

• Prior experience in at-sea surveys, fisheries work, interviews will be given preference 

• Good communication and teamwork skills  

Application Process 

Applicants must complete the attached form if interested in joining the training and MMF survey.  

Link: https://forms.gle/yWzFaKnUs1odWTvJ8 

Deadline: Friday, 19th December, 5:00 PM 
Note: Interns must commit to a minimum of two weeks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.