Alumni of the University of Essex matchfunded £1,000
By
Martyn Jakins-Pollard
Wakatobi National Park
I am raising money in order to complete some scientific research for my Masters dissertation. This will look at the feeding patterns of herbivorous fish when faced with predatory pressure. Herbivorous fish play an extremely important role in helping to keep coral reefs healthy by eating algae that threatens to compete for space. Predators of these fish can affect how herbivores act and their feeding patterns, directly impacting their important contribution to reef ecosystems. This research aims to look into the complex relationship between predator and prey, and how this is impacts our coral reefs at a time where coral reefs are under a huge amount of stress.
I am currently completing a Masters degree in Tropical Marine Biology at Essex.
After spending a lot of time diving and witnessing the damage that corals are suffering, I realised I wanted to try and contribute something to protecting these unique ecosystems! Therefore, I began a journey into marine biology, to help protect the reefs and marine environment for future generations.
To complete my research I will be travelling to Indonesia, and diving in some of the most diverse waters in the world. I will use a decoy predator underwater to monitor the herbivores feeding patterns when this 'predator' is present.
This research is important as it is relatively new and will tell us a great deal about the relationship between predators and prey and how this affects coral reefs today.
Coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all marine fish species and have existed for over 500 million years! Nearly 75% of all remaining coral reefs are threatened, and many have already been lost. With this in mind, completing new research on factors affecting coral reefs has never been more important.
This project is estimated to cost £6000 and I have already secured £2800 through grants and fundraising. I am now hoping to crowdfund the rest with myself making up any final shortfall. The total breakdown of costs is as follows:
If I reach my minimum target of £2200, the funds will go towards the project fee (£1600), all research equipment and general equipment. I will then fund the remaining expenses myself.
Any extra money raised will go towards the final portion of the project fee and any contingencies (back-up equipment and spares). If this goal is exceeded any further, I will use this money to upgrade equipment in order to get better results, images and rewards for donors.
To thank my donors, I have a list of rewards, check them out!
By donating you will be contributing to a piece of research which will help us to protect our coral reefs for the future. Without clear understanding of ecosystem relationships, we have no chance of saving them
Any kind of donation is appreciated, however if you cannot donate please help to spread the word by sharing my page.
Also please feel free to follow me on social media;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martyn.pollard.3
Instagram: martynjakins
Twitter: @martynjakins
Select this reward if you just want to donate to the project without receiving a reward.
13 claimed
Thank you for your donation! You will recieve a thank you on social media!
1 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 September 2017
Thank you very much. You will receive a thank you card with a photograph from my trip!
2 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 November 2017
Thank you very much for your help! For this donation I will send you a printed photograph of the coral reef.
3 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 November 2017
Thank you so much! You will receive a printed photograph of the coral reef, and a thank you card with information about my project!
1 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 November 2017
Wow thank you! You shall receive a framed photograph of your choice, plus any other photographs from my trip emailed to you!
2 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 November 2017
Thank you so much for your generosity! You shall receive a gift from Indonesia, a framed photograph of your choice and a bound copy of my dissertation.
0 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 November 2017
Wow! Thank you so much! You shall receive a gift from Indonesia, a framed photograph of your choice, copies of all photos I take and I will present a summary of my research to an audience of your choosing!
0 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 November 2017