I know that I am not a very good communicator in general. By doing this professional practice, I have learned to be more independent compared to previous works. Sending e-mails and arranging meetings is something I did not do often before. My independence was boosted slightly more than I expected. New protocols related to macrobenthic research were obtained during my professional practice. This includes the coloring of the samples with Bengal pink and the flushing protocol. The former Rose Bengal method is used to color the macrofauna and makes them more visible. Without this coloring, it would be impossible to extract and separate small amphipods or mysids from the sample. This latter protocol includes cleaning the sample stored in formaldehyde and separating them from the sediment. More can be seen in the Methodology section. With the help of my supervisor during the identification work, I also improved in working together with a specialist in identifying these marine invertebrates.

My main practical objective was to help reduce my supervisor’s workload and identify the samples taken on a cruise in the OWFs concerning macrobenthos and hyperbenthos. The macrobenthos was part of a targeted sampling around a certain type of windmill foundation called the monopile foundation. My goal was to slightly see if there is an effect of the distance from the windmill and the species composition of the macrobenthos and hyperbenthos. Identifying as many taxa and individuals as possible and expanding my knowledge was the main objective for me personally. Concerning the hyperbenthos, not a lot is known about the species composition present. I tried to see what species were present to try and fill the knowledge gap bit by bit.

For both the macrobenthos and hyperbenthos, I made a list of all the species I have identified in excel for future use. This is one contribution that helped get the host organization’s objectives a bit closer to completion. I did not finish all the samples that were provided because there was not enough time to do this, but I finished the macrobenthos and a large part of the hyperbenthos. After that I could still do the long-term samples if there was any more time.

Before, and even after my professional practice, I am still not confident in myself in doing complex statistical analyses. Trying to analyze the environmental data that was provided helped me take initiative in analyzing the data and apply my previously attained knowledge in statistics. I think before starting my theses, I need to practice more and gather more information about doing a proper statistical analysis myself.

I think I used my previously acquired knowledge of marine invertebrate characteristics and taxonomic identification well. It really helped me identify quicker than completely starting from scratch. This way I could identify multiple taxa independently and I am proud of that. The new taxa I have learned on the way will only help me improve further and help me with my thesis identification work. The Zwin-lagoon, where I will do my theses, has different communities. I am excited to get to know the communities living there and challenge myself with new identifications using my previously acquired knowledge from my bachelor and of course the identification skills from my professional practice.