A short summary of my project

I'm hoping to raise money to go toward financing 8 weeks researching mangroves in Mexico with Operation Wallacea (an NGO) as part of my Masters.

Who am I?

My name is Charlotte, and I'm a student at the University of Essex studying an MSc in Tropical Marine Biology. I'm a mature student coming from a career in teaching. I've always been interested in the marine world, and the MSc is giving me a chance to develop a brand new set of skills that I can use in the future. I hope to combine the skills I have learnt as a teacher with my marine biology skills to work in conservation and communication in the future.

My story

I have always been fascinated by animals and the natural world, but learning to dive in 2012 opened up a whole new world of interesting to me. Since then I've qualified as a Rescue Diver, worked in an aquarium, and dived all over the world, all of which has led me towards a return to studying.

I chose to do my dissertation research with Operation Wallacea (Opwall) as the money they receive goes towards funding long-term conservation and research projects. I really wanted to work in the field as well, to gain as wide a range of skills as possible as this is a new area of study and experience for me.

Mangroves are a really interesting area to study as they've been overlooked for so long. They are important habitats and nursery areas for juvenile fish, but we are just learning how important they are in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. They might play an important part in reducing global warming in the future. All of the data that I collect will go towards Opwall's long-term data sets and inform their conservation in the Akumal area.

Mangroves are home to some cool animals!

Where will the money go?

All of the money raised will go towards working with Opwall for 8 weeks. They are an NGO, so all the money for volunteers goes towards running the organisation (see below for breakdown). The total cost of the expedition fees is £3950 for 8 weeks, excluding flights. I hope to raise half of this (£2000), but any extra will also go towards the total cost.

The money covers:

• all accommodation and food: approx £590
• access to experts in the field: approx £790
• equipment, scuba diving: approx £400
• Insurance: approx £240

Rewards

Please check out the rewards down the side (did you see the creatures in the video?!)

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Help Me succeed!

Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and have a read. I know not everyone will be able to contribute, but maybe you can share this page with someone who might be interested?

Any way that you can help me succeed is awesome and appreciated!

If you have any more questions about what I'm doing or marine biology please contact me.

And I know I said you don't need to give money to help me, but I'd love it if you did! Please take a look at the rewards and sponsor me if you can.