In the summer of 2018 I am undertaking a trip to Mexico through the organisation 'Operation Wallacea'. During this trip I will be staying at 'Akumal Marine Research Centre' in the Yucatan Peninsular. During my stay I will be collecting data regarding the abundance of immature green turtles in relation to seagrass biomass. This study should shed light on current populations, and in turn suggest optimal conservation strategies for these green turtle populations.

Operation Wallacea relies solely upon students assisting their scientists in collecting scientific data. These data enable the organisation to produce surveys which result in a number of publications in peer-reviewed journals each year. At present, these surveys have led to the discovery of 30 new vertebrate species to science, 4 'extinct' species being rediscovered, and $2 million levied from funding agencies to set up best practice conservation management at study sites.

It is therefore imperative that this funding continues, and I hope that in undertaking my research project I shall help provide new data and enable the organisation to continue in its positive conservation techniques. Money raised will fund equipment and materials for the collection of data, and enable scientists within the organisation to progress with new strategies for the conservation of these green turtle populations.