Marine Reseach Fund
Donation protected
Hey everyone!
I want to tell you a little bit about Madagascar. most people think of the movie when they hear that, and for good reason. Madagascar is largely underdeveloped, and mostly unexplored. The areas that are heavily explored, are also heavily fished and hunted from, for obvious reasons. But one of the biggest issues in Madagascar right now is Shark Fishing. The fisherman don't use conventional fishing spots, so are harder to find and stop. There is an urgent need to actively and aggressively manage Madagascar's shark fishery. Yet putting in place conservation measures and enforcing regulations remains a formidable challenge.
Much of Madagascar's shark fishery takes place in remote fishing grounds scattered over thousands of kilometers of coastline, and the fishers move great distances to seek productive fishing grounds. The government lacks the means to monitor these fisheries and enforce regulations; and the markets are informal and secretive. So you can see why this research and defense of the sharks is necessary. I will also be conducting research on Manta Ray flight patterns, as the ray population is sharply decreasing, along with our knowledge of them. Rays have valuable Gill Rakes, which are harvested for use in unconventional medicinal techniques. Tracking their flight patterns will help us figure out where they are going, i.e. where they are being caught, and to put a stop to it.
I've been accepted on a summer volunteer program in Nosy Komba, a small island just off of the mainland. I will be doing daily research on the local marine population, to include sharks, rays, sailfish, marlin, corals, and hundreds of fish species.
My work in Madagascar will also transfer over to younger generations, as I will be going to local orphanages and schools to speak with children about our magnificent oceans and the importance of preserving them.
I've had alot of questions about why I am fundraising. As far as why I can not collect the funds myself, I pay for my education myself. I am a full time nanny, but being an undergraduate I do not have the degree yet for a high paying job so as to afford University and volunteer work costs. George Mason University charges about $16,000 per year in costs, so I'm sure you can see where things are tight. I am using the power of social media to spread the word about this amazing opportunity, as well as about conservation in general. If you would like to donate, or know someone who would like to donate, please reach out and share this amongst your facebook, twitter, and email friends. every little bit helps.
I wouldn't be where I am without the continued support of all of my dear friends and family, and for that I thank each and every one of you.
I want to tell you a little bit about Madagascar. most people think of the movie when they hear that, and for good reason. Madagascar is largely underdeveloped, and mostly unexplored. The areas that are heavily explored, are also heavily fished and hunted from, for obvious reasons. But one of the biggest issues in Madagascar right now is Shark Fishing. The fisherman don't use conventional fishing spots, so are harder to find and stop. There is an urgent need to actively and aggressively manage Madagascar's shark fishery. Yet putting in place conservation measures and enforcing regulations remains a formidable challenge.
Much of Madagascar's shark fishery takes place in remote fishing grounds scattered over thousands of kilometers of coastline, and the fishers move great distances to seek productive fishing grounds. The government lacks the means to monitor these fisheries and enforce regulations; and the markets are informal and secretive. So you can see why this research and defense of the sharks is necessary. I will also be conducting research on Manta Ray flight patterns, as the ray population is sharply decreasing, along with our knowledge of them. Rays have valuable Gill Rakes, which are harvested for use in unconventional medicinal techniques. Tracking their flight patterns will help us figure out where they are going, i.e. where they are being caught, and to put a stop to it.
I've been accepted on a summer volunteer program in Nosy Komba, a small island just off of the mainland. I will be doing daily research on the local marine population, to include sharks, rays, sailfish, marlin, corals, and hundreds of fish species.
My work in Madagascar will also transfer over to younger generations, as I will be going to local orphanages and schools to speak with children about our magnificent oceans and the importance of preserving them.
I've had alot of questions about why I am fundraising. As far as why I can not collect the funds myself, I pay for my education myself. I am a full time nanny, but being an undergraduate I do not have the degree yet for a high paying job so as to afford University and volunteer work costs. George Mason University charges about $16,000 per year in costs, so I'm sure you can see where things are tight. I am using the power of social media to spread the word about this amazing opportunity, as well as about conservation in general. If you would like to donate, or know someone who would like to donate, please reach out and share this amongst your facebook, twitter, and email friends. every little bit helps.
I wouldn't be where I am without the continued support of all of my dear friends and family, and for that I thank each and every one of you.
Organiser
Sam Pullman
Organiser
Newport News, VA
