I knew that I wanted to use my skills in visual storytelling to spread the word of Love The Oceans so I did just that!

I used every opportunity, in between the intensity of learning new field skills and collecting data to document projects, daily life, and what it’s really like to work in the field. I shared this content on Instagram and TikTok, where I had my first surprise, one of my TikTok posts reached over 22,000 views, most of them from Mozambique. The comments were full of Mozambicans saying they had never seen these species in their own waters and thanking me for showing them a part of their ocean they felt disconnected from. That response drove me forward.

It also led to a conversation with Francesca Trotman, Love The Oceans’ Founder and Managing Director. Together, we identified three projects I could turn into short videos. First was the BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) project, where I set out to try and capture a story on the conservation of predator species like the scalloped hammerhead and what methods are being used to monitor them i.e. Stereo-BRUVs. Second was their aquaculture project, which provides alternative livelihoods for women in the community. I filmed ocean school sessions where women were introduced to marine science, as well as the setup of a mussel farm designed to give these women an alternative sustainable income whilst empowering them as ocean stewards. Finally, I documented Project BEAM (Biodiversity Enhancement and Algal Management), which tracks coral colonies over time by removing algae and photographing their recovery, research that helps LTO understand how turf and macroalgae affect reef health.

These experiences expanded my knowledge beyond the set volunteer program. I was able to work alongside marine biologist Yudmilla Chuguane, filming projects, witnessing conservation in action, and having conversations a volunteer with LTO wouldn’t usually have. My hope is that through this work I’ve left a small mark in Mozambique by helping to elevate Mozambican voices in ocean conservation.

It's time to continue the edit!

Written by Dylan Coundley-Hughes