Kia ora, My name is Amelia Mannering (most people call me Millie) and I come from the beautiful Aotearoa, New Zealand. I am extremely excited to introduce myself as the 2021 Australasian Rolex Scholar for the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society. It is an honour to have been selected and I am humbled to have been awarded this incredible opportunity.
I would love to share my scholarship adventures with you all and will be posting regular blogs (subscribe here) and updates throughout my year. You can follow my upcoming adventures on Instagram and Facebook, and contact me through social media or over email.
An upbringing filled with adventure has given me the opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most remote coastal and alpine areas. From a young age, the enchanting marine world captivated me. Filled with a curiosity to learn, I enrolled at the University of Otago to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Marine Science) and have recently completed a Masters in Marine Science. Based at the Lizard Island Research Station, my research investigated the impact of microplastic exposure on the predator-prey interactions of coral reef fish. Check out my bio for more information on my background.
I am happiest in water. From exploring the source in the local mountain ranges of Wanaka (left) or through fast routes to the sea (right). Photo: Blake Hornblow, Michael Bollen.
Alongside my studies, I learnt to SCUBA dive and became delighted with the ability to breathe underwater and observe the marine environment. How absolutely magic! I volunteered for numerous conservation projects on predator-free islands off the mainland and became involved in research projects throughout New Zealand. As a BLAKE Ambassador, I worked with an international collaboration of scientists onboard the research schooner, Tara, on an expedition from Panama to New York led by the Tara Oceans Foundation. Witnessing the magnitude of anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems was startling and reinforced my passion for ocean conservation and highlighted the urgency of action required. As a NZ youth delegate on the 32nd Ship for World Youth Programme, I was able to present my research and join discussions on environmental change during two Pacific Ocean crossings onboard the Nippon Maru. This opportunity to develop a global perspective on environmental issues has been invaluable.
“Through research, diving and discussion, my desire to protect the marine environment and its inhabitants has been ignited.”
A humongous grin during my first time breathing underwater.
Stoked after a clean-up dive in Lake Wanaka. Photo: Zac Penman
“Are you sure?” – I honestly could not believe it when I received the congratulatory call from the OWUSS Australasian selection committee in March 2020. However, upon returning to New Zealand, I was given a government order to self-isolate for two weeks due to the outbreak of a newly discovered virus!? … I don’t think I need to elaborate. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity by the OWUSS to defer my scholarship to 2021. In the meantime, through scheduled lecture series and meet ups, I had the chance to meet society members and was introduced to the large extended family across the globe. I’m very grateful to my co-ordinator Stefan Andrews as well as Jayne Jenkins and the rest of the awesome Australasian OWUSS team. A special shout out to the 2014 Australasian Scholar, Courtney Rayes, for officially introducing me as the new scholar in sunny Nelson as part of the OWUSS virtual awards ceremony.
A typical day working as a research assistant, conducting underwater ecological surveys on the Otago coast. My first job to involve diving – a huge thank you to the awesome Hepburn Lab. Photo: Lucy Coyle, Louise Bennett-Jones
During the following year, I aim to gain more diving experience, upgrade my diving qualifications, and develop my competency as a scientific diver. I look forward to learning more about future strategies for marine conservation and research as well as meeting individuals and organisations committed to improving the health of our oceans.
With an increasing magnitude of anthropogenic impacts on our marine ecosystems, I hope to use the scholarship year to discover how to best contribute towards the conservation and preservation of our incredible underwater world.
Thank you to the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society and Rolex for making the scholarship dream a reality. I would also like to thank the numerous sponsors involved, particularly Reef Photo and Video, Nauticam and Light and Motion for my underwater camera setup as well as TUSA, Waterproof and Tabata Australia for my diving equipment. Lastly, a huge thank you to my family and friends who have supported me along the way.
I am beyond excited to begin! Join me, above and beneath the surface, on my adventures throughout the scholarship year.
