Fighting for the oceans!

Mila Attrill Start Date: Dec 13, 2017 - End Date: Jun 12, 2018

My Travel Story

by: Mila Attrill Start Date: Dec 13, 2017 - End Date: Jun 12, 2018
Hello, I'm Milá Attrill and since a very young age i've been very passionate about fish and the ocean. I am an avid scuba diver and currently a biology undergradute. I also have an intense passion for helping to preserve the oceans that cover 70% of our Earth, the life that inhabits them and feel, that as humans, it is our responsibility to contribute to helping clean up the mess we've made of them.

The marine conservation project in Belize that I will be embarking on with Frontier, will allow me to personally undertake such work. Throughout the duration of my trip I will be conducting scientific research on dying/dead reefs to assess their health and causes of destruction, and the results from my investigations will supply vital baseline information on the Belizean coastline to enable the sustainable management of natural resources in the region and the protection of the marine wildlife in partnership with the Belize Fisheries Department.

I will be diving regularly; Locating, mapping and studying coral reefs, collecting baseline biodiversity data collection on fish, benthic and commercially important invertebrate species to meet national and international protocols. There is also the opportunity to work with local Belizean partners and conservation organisations, complete vegetation surveys on mangrove species, contribute to the Cayes Management Plan and the overall Belize National and Resource Management Agenda – and also also converse with the locals in an attempt to educate them on the issues of the oceans and how to help restore them too. I chose Belize as my destination as it is part of the Mesoamerican reef that has over time been badly damaged by human impacts and global warming. I have travelled to Belize before and feel strongly about keeping up the standards I once saw and hope to see again with the research conducted.

As part of this trip I hope to be able to improve my CV and put this experience towards further developing my longer term goals in life. This project gives me insight and the opportunity to explore whether marine conservation research is something I wish to study after completing my biology degree. This trip is also what I hope will be a life changing experience and only one example of how I hope to give back to the Earth that supports my living.

I will be writing a blog on my trip so feel free to follow my journey with me and keep up to date on the research collected.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and potentially helping me achieve my dream of helping to save even a small part of our oceans. As a student I am asking for your help to get me to my destination to achieve my goal!

Updates

2

  • Nearly 10%!

    Nearly 10%!
    So I am already so close to 10% of my £2,250 target! Wow - I'm honestly so overwhelmed that after only a day I'm near 10%. Each donation makes my goal more achievable and real, what an exciting prospect. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information before donating or are just purely interested!

  • Getting My Offer!

    Getting my offer!
    So I reciveved my offer letter from Frontier (the company I am working for in Belize) and the excitement is really setting in now! To be a part of this project helping to study our reefs and understand why they become to damaged is such an honour to be chosen. Please continue to look out for updates as they come in!