Thanks for all your hard work in 2011

Project Leader: Grace Phillips

Grace is a Dive Master and has a First Class Honours degree in Marine Biology from the University of Plymouth. She has experience working with the tiniest marine creatures, coral bacteria, as well as some of the largest, manta rays and is very driven by marine conservation issues.

Having an adventurous spirit, she has explore all seven continents and is always ready for a new adventure... Like leading the OceansWatch mission in Vanuatu!

MarineBiologist:Alma Van Niekerk

I am Alma van Niekerk and I was born and grew up in Bloemfontein, South Africa, which is more than 400km away from the ocean in any direction. Our annual family holiday to the beach was therefore a magical experience for me, and this ingrained in me a life long love of the sea. I moved to New Zealand with my family in 1995, to Mount Maunganui - distance to the beach: 100m! I couldn't imagine anything better. I studied at Victoria University of Wellington, and completed a BSc with a double major in marine biology and ecology and biodiversity, and a Master of Marine Conservation. I am so exited about my expedition with OceansWatch.  I can't wait to meet all the passionate people involved in the project, and to get back out on the sea.

Alma is joining Magic Roundabout on the 16th August.