Microscopes donated to Maldivian schools

Marine geography graduate Beth Taylor is working in the Maldives for the Manta Trust. The trust takes a multidisciplinary approach to the worldwide conservation of manta rays and their habitat through robust science and research, while raising awareness and providing education to the general public and community stakeholders alike.

Part of Beth's job involves outreach activities in local schools and Beth wondered whether the School might have any old equipment that could be shipped out and donated to schools for the children to use in their studies. The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences sent out 2 microscopes, some educational supplies and books that can be used as prizes. Beth is seen here presenting these things to Hithadoo School, Laamu Atoll. They will use the microscopes to examine plankton – the food of manta rays.

Beth works as Project Manager for the Laamu Atoll branch of the 'Maldivian Manta Ray Project'. With her colleague Moosa Mohamed, they collect manta IDs, monitor the population, conduct educational outreach on local islands and give presentations to guests on manta biology and how to sustainably interact with mantas.

In 2015, she will be leading a new project in Thaa Atoll, incorporating whale shark population studies.