Week 13 marked my first chance to trial my Pacific oyster survey methodology in the field. This trial consisted of two different survey types: 1. A timed search survey designed to search the area surrounding a past Pacific oyster sighting and 2. A walkover survey designed to provide a whole site Pacific oyster abundance and distribution map. The results from these surveys were both positive and negative at the same time. The good news was that both surveys worked and we were able to locate and observe several Pacific oysters at the site. Unfortunately, the quantity of Pacific oysters we found was concerning. As an invasive non-native species any observations are troubling and the surveys almost tripled the current verified Pacific oyster sightings in North Norfolk. These trial surveys have highlighted the need for this work and provided even more motivation for my project.

The next week we headed down to Bangor for our half way internship meet up and presentations. All four internship programs were present with many of the program supporting staff also in attendance. We started the first day with a trip to the Menter Môn Morlais tidal energy facility near South Stack. This was a great experience and it was really interesting hearing about the future of tidal energy and how it is being utilised at this site. We also got to go on a little walk to look over South Stack lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs which was beautiful but very windy! We then headed to Menai Science Park where we gave our half-way presentations. This involved talking about how we chose our project as well as the progress we have made, any next steps we are taking and what the challenges we have faced are.

All the intern’s presentations were brilliant and it was great learning about what they had been up to and the progress they had been making. Overall, we thought our presentation went well and got some really interesting questions and feedback on our we will be using to make the project stronger. The first day was finished off with a group meal and a trip to the pub which was a great networking and catching up opportunity.

On the second day we got to visit Bangor University’s Ocean Sciences lab to learn about their native oyster project. Not only was it really interesting learning all about native oysters but it was aIso nostalgic for me as I attended Bangor University for my Marine Biology MSc and worked in a lot of the buildings we visited. Before this internship my background was very academic so re-visiting these places with a more industry-based mindset was really cool. Unfortunately, the boat trip we had booked was cancelled due to strong winds but the trip as a whole was such an amazing experience and definitely one of the internship highlights to date. Another highlight of the trip were the two road trips I took with Ryan and Tammy took. It was great spending an extended period together, being able to chat about careers and the sector as a whole. 

Josh