Prizes and Awards
The OCS is proud to offer student members a variety of prizes and awards. These include prizes, grants and awards related to OCS scientific conferences, and an annual student research grant. These have been generously provided by sponsors in the tourism industry who understand the importance of sharks and rays to the marine ecosystem, and recognize their value as living tourism attractions.
Congratulations to all the students that have won this year's travel and research awards:
Passions of Paradise/OCS Student Research Award ($3,000):
- Kate Lee
Passions of Paradise/OCS Student Travel Award ($2,000):
- Saskia de Jong
- Alastair Harry
- Jessica Gwilliam
- Shannon Corrigan
- Agnès Le Port
The Oceania Chondrichthyan Society gratefully acknowledges the contributions made by Passions of Paradise to the research, conservation, management and sustainable use of Oceania's sharks and rays.
Passions of Paradise research grants and awards
Passions of Paradise is based in Cairns, Queensland, and runs day trips to the Great Barrier Reef on board a modern, purpose built sailing vessel. In February 2007, the OCS and Passions of Paradise entered into a three-year sponsorship arrangement. Passions of Paradise is certified as an Advanced Ecotourism operation by Ecotourism Australia and has been running an on-board shark conservation awareness program through which visitors on board the boat learn about sharks and rays, the issues facing them and their conservation. Proceeds from t-shirt sales and other merchandise are donated to the OCS to fund student awards and research grants.
Importantly, every dollar donated by Passions is used to directly fund student research grants and awards.
For 2008-2009, Passions of Paradise are offering a number of student grants and awards.
At the 2nd OCS scientific workshop and conference in September 2008, Passions of Paradise will be presenting the following awards:
* several student travel awards totaling $2100 that help students travel to the meeting to present their research;
* two awards for oral presentations totaling $600; and
* two awards for poster presentations totaling $300
We are pleased to announce that applications for the Passions of Paradise Student Research Grant for 2010 are now open. The grant provides $2,000 in funding for a student project in the Oceania region, and applicants must be a financial member of OCS before applying. Please note the deadline for applications is September 30, 2010.
Interested students should download the Passions of Paradise Student Research Grant application package below for details.
Passions of Paradise Student Research Grant application package
OCS members are offered a 30% discount on all trips to the Great Barrier Reef on-board Passions of Paradise. Visit Passions of Paradise at www.passions.com.au