Welcoming our Marine Futures Interns!

Welcome to a new series of blogs from our Living Seas Team. Written by our Marine Futures Interns we'll be keeping you up to date with what they've been up to during their time in their pursuit of a career in marine conservation and the renewable energy sector. Funded by The Crown Estate, the Internships are hosted by North Wales Wildlife Trust in partnership with Menter Môn, M-SParc and the marine team at The Crown Estate. So, without further ado...

....we introduce you to Dylan and Rhys...

Hi everyone, we are Dylan and Rhys and we are the new North Wales Marine Futures Interns. Over the next six months we will work collaboratively across the partner organisations to enhance our knowledge of the marine sector. We will jointly be working on a final project that benefits all the partner organisations involved. Alongside this we will be completing individual projects that align with our career aspirations.

Dylan Moses:

Helo, fy enw i yw Dylan! Hello, my name is Dylan! Just a little bit about myself. I studied Ocean Science at Bangor University from 2019-2022. I loved my course and gained so much invaluable experience during my three years. Some highlight modules included, Marine Ecology, Sharks and their Relatives (where I got to dissect a Cat Shark!), Marine Pollution and Ice and Oceans… the list goes on. During my course I got to experience some amazing field trips and where better to explore than the areas surrounding Bangor. I wrote my final dissertation on the topic ‘Do healthy coral reefs provide coastal protection?’ and can not wait to get stuck in to some projects during this internship.

I have always had a keen interest for the ocean, so in my spare time you might find me swimming in the sea or rock-pooling along the shores. I hope to build on this interest and advance the skills I already have, during this internship.

I was overcome when I was offered the internship, as I have been given the opportunity to build networks and enhance my experience in the sector I love. I think the partner organisations; The Crown Estate, Menter Môn, M-Sparc, as well as our amazing host organisation, The North Wales Wildlife Trust, will be able to give key insights into many different marine sectors. This will enable me to discover where my main interests lie and will prepare me for my future in this industry.

I cannot wait to get fully immersed in this next six months. Watch this space!

Rhys Bowen:

Hello! I’m Rhys. I graduated from Swansea University in 2022, with a BSc in Marine Biology and an MSc in Environmental Dynamics and Climate. Throughout my degree I developed a deep knowledge of the marine environment, undertaking work on the universities research vessel across Swansea Bay and completing my dissertation on predicting the impacts of climatic changes on cephalopod species around the UK. Alongside my studies I was fortunate enough to gain experience in the field of conservation as a volunteer at DEKAMER Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Türkiye.

Following graduation, I travelled around South East Asia, making sure to see as much incredible marine life as possible. Some highlights include seeing a whale shark and a squadron of manta rays whilst diving in Thailand and Bali. However, when I returned to the UK I struggled to find an entry level job in the marine sector. As such, I was a relieved when I had a phone call off Nia Jones (Living Sea Manager at NWWT) to hear that I had been accepted onto this internship.

I have always been passionate about marine biology which has fueled me to pursue a career in this sector. More recently, I have developed a particular interest in offshore renewable energy developments, wildlife conservation, and bridging the gap between the two. Fortunately, this internship grants me the freedom to explore and direct my career pathway whilst being supported along the way. Having the opportunity to work with the partner organisations, I am hoping to gain an insight to the different jobs (including some that I may not know exist) in the marine industry and begin to shape my career in a sector that I am passionate about.

Alongside Dylan, I feel extremely fortunate to be the first Marine Futures Interns in North Wales. I am excited for what is to come over the next six months!

We are looking forward to getting stuck in and updating you on our progress throughout the internship. If you would like any information regarding our experiences on this internship or the internship in general then feel free to contact us on: rhys.bowen@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk or dylan.moses@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk.