Hey, how are you doing guys! Camilla here (again) with this final blog. I’m hoping that you guys have enjoyed reading our bogs just as much as the other interns and I had enjoy writing it to share our experiences of our #BEjourney with you. Before I sign off I really felt the need to answer this question. How is SBS (the hosting organization that I interned at for the past two weeks) related to the blue economy? Two weeks ago I barely had any clues as to what the SBS was or its links to the Blue Economy. But I think now I have a pretty good idea on how. The BTS (Biochemical Testing Services) and the FIQCU (Fish Inspection and quality control unit) divisions play a major role in the development of our Blue Economy. The various tests done in the labs on different samples like fish and fish products, fish oil and the different inspections and audits done by the FIQCU in different areas such as Fishing vessels and factories all helps in ensuring that proper standards are maintained. Although several fish processing industries in Seychelles have their own labs which they can do certain tests on, this is mainly for internal quality control. But if they want to export their products overseas to the EU or third world countries it must first be tested and approved by the SBS. SO their services helps to bring in major revenue into our country which is a great necessity to our country’s development. I spent my last day in the ‘Food Chemistry Lab’ learning about three tests that they carried out on Tuna crude oil. That included the analyst for determination of the quantity of moisture in fish oil (done by distillation with an immiscible solvent), the acidity value in animal fats and oil (titration method) and the Peroxide value in lipids. Did you know? The fish oil from Seychelles that are exported after being tested and approved by the SBS, are then use in the extraction of omega-3 fatty acid found in the oil to make various products such as fish oil supplements which have several health benefits? It was through various observations, asking questions and carrying out tasks in the laboratories throughout the two weeks internship that allowed me to broaden my knowledge and I now intend to share my experience with all y’all science geeks and BE freaks. To all the youth out there, if you’re trying to NOT have a desk job but you love science especially experimenting, then lab work is most definitely for you. Many thanks goes to the SBS’s staff especially the supervisor and all the laboratory personnel that I had to uttermost privilege of meeting and working with. Their dedication to their jobs and fellow employees is simply remarkable. I liked how they collaborated and worked together to obtain the most accurate results possible. Also how they were always ready to help me with my smallest strangest questions. An even enormous thanks goes to SYAH, the CYC, the different hosting organisations, The British High Commissioner and any and all the hardworking individuals who worked their butts off to ensure that this really eye-opening internship program becomes a reality and a success. You guys honestly did a really amazing job. Thank you so much for this opportunity. They say that “All good things must come to an end”, but I totally disagree and refuse so as I this is only the beginning.
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AuthorThe interns of the Prosperity & Environment: Promoting sustainable development opportunities for youth in the Blue Economy sector. Archives
January 2018
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