Ocean Conservation in Honduras

Hi, my name is Maddy! I am a graduate student motivated to protect the ocean for future generations. I am about to become part of a volunteer program with the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center in Utila, Honduras, where I will be researching whale sharks and corals, and learning the skills necessary to pursue a career in marine conservation. But, I need your support.

Here is my story, where I will explain my background, what your money will be going towards, and why I need financial assistance.

Background

During my senior year in college, I took a course in oceanography, in which the professor and the class changed my life. During this class, it became clear to me that the ocean was in dire need of our help, and I became eager to play my part. After graduating as an undergraduate in 2020, I went on to pursue my master's degree in International Environmental Policy with a specialization in the ocean at the Middlebury Institute in Monterey, CA.

As a graduate student living in California, I have immersed myself in the marine world, motivated to learn as much as possible and make a positive impact. I’ve become a volunteer guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, working to inspire conservation of the ocean. This summer, I’m working with a local non-profit, the Wahine Project, as a surf instructor and marine educator, where we are striving to eliminate the barriers that prevent a diversity of youth from connecting to the ocean. My desire to go deeper, to see and learn about the sea, has also led me to earn an open-water diving certificate. Here's a photo of my dive buddy and I before our first dive!

Teaching younger generations about the ocean is my passion, but currently, I do not have the necessary skills to teach about the underwater world without advanced diving and research experience. This has led me to the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center (WSORC) in Honduras.

Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center

I am entering the last semester of my graduate degree, where I must work on a 4-month practicum with an organization to enhance my skills and put my knowledge into practice. This organization will be the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center, a non-profit in Utila, Honduras. I have just accepted a volunteer position as a Marine Conservation Intern and Research Assistant for September-December 2022.

WSORC has been studying whale shark populations in Honduras since 1997. They have been able to collect previously unknown data on the behavior of whale sharks in the Caribbean, build a sighting database of whale sharks (based on their individual spot patterns!), and help to establish whale shark protection in Honduras. WSORC also works to conserve corals, and contain lionfish (invasive species). Check out the short video below!

What will I be doing, and why is it important?

WSORC trains volunteers with the skills necessary to pursue marine conservation careers in the Caribbean, which is what I will be a part of! I will acquire the required SCUBA diving certifications up to Divemaster, which will allow me to identify reef species, conduct whale shark and coral reef research and monitoring, and maintain coral nurseries. Protecting these species is essential to combating climate change and ensuring a healthy and thriving ocean.

Whale sharks, the biggest sharks, are endangered with populations decreasing, and they need our help. In addition, little is known about these gentle giants and their behaviors. How big can they actually get? How and where do females give birth? Fun fact: No one has ever seen a whale shark give birth! WSORC strives to learn more about the animal so we can better protect it.

WSORC also participates in community outreach and environmental education with the local community! Watch below for a more in-depth video of WSORC's work.

Program cost

The volunteer program costs $6680 due to the research training, scuba certificates/gear, and housing. In addition, the program cost does not include travel and food expenses. Your donation will directly and specifically cover the cost of the program and travel expenses. Here is the breakdown:

Why do I need financial assistance?

This past year I have been a full-time graduate student, president of two clubs, and working part-time jobs to cover my living expenses in Monterey, CA. I have also taken out loans to cover gradute school tuition. I am currently in a financial position where I cannot afford to pay for this program without financial assistance.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my story, regardless if you can donate. Please look at WSORC’s website (https://www.wsorc.org/) & Instagram @wsorc_life to read more about their work!

your donation = a hug to the ocean <3