Help Melissa Save the Sharks!

Melissa Burghouwt Start Date: Jun 24, 2016 - End Date: Dec 23, 2016
  • South Africa

My Travel Story

by: Melissa Burghouwt Start Date: Jun 24, 2016 - End Date: Dec 23, 2016
Ever since I was 10 years old and addicted to watching Discovery Channel, I became fascinated by sharks. The more I learned about these powerful and beautiful animals, the more I became concerned about the human impact on them and on our worlds' marine ecosystem. 

Shark numbers continue to decrease because of a practice called shark finning; catching the sharks, chopping off their fins and throwing them back into the ocean to drown, still alive. 

I have always yearned to do something for these animals, to make a difference. I have tried my best to spread awareness among family and friends, and I blow up everyone's Facebook news feed with shark facts during shark week every year, but it's not enough. I wanted to become a marine biologist, but I was afraid to study biology because I thought I would let down my father and his dreams of me building a career as a business woman.

Now that I'm a business woman, I'm afraid I'll never follow my heart and break out of my current reality. This here is that very opportunity for me.

The White Shark Project in South Africa would give me the chance to experience the majesty of these animals up close and personal, to study them and to make a difference.

For this dream to become reality would mean the world to me. It would mean going for something that not many people understand about me, it would mean finally doing something I really want, something that I have been afraid to really go for these past 17 years. 


  • South Africa

Updates

1

  • It's Shark Week!

    It's shark week!
    Every year, during shark week, efforts are made world wide to raise awareness about sharks and how we affect them and their ecosystem. Discovery Channel features Shark Week documentaries every night for the entire week.

    Check out the webiste at: http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/

    Get your shark on!

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