RESEARCH
Collecting data on whale shark individuals, oceanic conditions and the surrounding coral reefs to better understand their dynamics
MEET THE TEAM
THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE
Abi Smith
Program Manager & Intern Councelor
Abi first came to Utila in June 2016 for the 1 month Marine Conservation Internship at WSORC after graduating with a degree in English Literature & Film Studies. She quickly fell in love with conservation, diving and the island itself. After her internship ended she delayed her flight home, turned down a job offer in the film industry and stayed to complete her Divemaster course at Bay Islands College of Diving, where she soon became a staff member and has since moved up to PADI Staff Intructor rating. After 2 and a half years instructing at The College, Abi is enjoying a rewarding role managing the centre, controlling the social media accounts and working closely with staff, interns and surrounding businesses to ensure the best possible future for WSORC.
Bella Simões
Marine Biologist
Having spent most of her life landlocked, books and documentaries partially fulfilled her thirst and inquisitiveness for the underwater world. After much effort, she managed to start her diving career in South Africa and completed her PADI Instructor Training at Bay Islands College of Diving. Bella graduated in Biological Science in Brazil and studied Marine Biology in Jamaica. While attending school she got involved in several research fields, always related to marine science. Over four years working with fisheries and being constantly confronted with the frustrating and heart-breaking reality strengthened her goals even more. In addition to fisheries management, Bella also has been working with marine invasions, coral reef ecology, animal behaviour and citizen science. She believes we only care for what we love, but we only love what we understand. She seeks to impact on human perception and behaviour towards the marine environment, encouraging them to learn, collaborate and protect the ocean.
OUR PROGRAMS
OUTREACH
Promoting responsible whale shark tourism, raising of awareness of conservation issues, and educating local school children about the sea
INTERNSHIPS
Training volunteers with the skills necessary to pursue marine conservation careers in the Caribbean
ECOTOURISM
Expeditions that educate participants about the marine environment while actively contributing to conservation efforts on Utila.
HOW TO HELP
BE PART OF THE GLOBAL SOLUTION
WSORC is an NGO – registered Honduran Non Profit Organization.
We have the knowledge, the location and the desire to make a real difference for the oceans, the people of Utila, and the world… Please help us achieve our and your goals. Would you like to help sponsor whale shark research and/or education on Utila? WSORC welcomes all contributions/donations towards our programs. Sponsors will be included in the next WSORC newsletter and their names/photos will be placed on our website.
It is simple and easy to make a contribution through PayPal. The contribution will be processed through the Bay Islands Dive Centre paypal account, our sister organisation, which will then be transferred to WSORC.
DONATE
Make a donation to the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Centre using the box below. Donations are processed through the Pay Pal account of our sister organisation, the Bay Islands College of Diving. Proceeds of all donations are directed towards our research and community outreach efforts on Utila.