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.

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 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 the first of 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. OCS members are also 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

Passions of Paradise Student Research Grant is now open for applications for the 2011 round. This year, Passions is providing $1000 in funding, with the OCS to provide an additional $1000, toward a student research grant for projects in the Oceania region.

Applications close October 31st 2011 and the successful applicant will be notified by the 30th of November 2011.
Download the information flyer for instructions on how to apply and selection criteria.

Congratulations to all the students that have won last year's travel and conference awards during the 2011 Gold Coast OCS Conference:
Best oral presentation
- Jimmy White ($200)
Runner-up oral presentation
- Scott Cutmore ($100)
Best poster
- Peter Yates ($150)
Runner-up poster
- Joanna Stead ($75)

Passions of Paradise/OCS Student Travel Award ($1,475):
- Ryan Kempster
- Daniela Waltrick
- Fernanda de Faria
- Peter Yates
- Toni Ferrara



The winners of the Passions of Paradise Awards during the 2010 Sharks International conference in Cairns were:
Passions of Paradise/OCS Student Research Award ($2,000):
- Fernanda de Faria
Passions of Paradise/OCS Student Travel Award ($2,750):
- Aleksandra Maljkovic 
- Crystal Beckmann
- Heidi Pethybridge
- Kathryn Lee
- Lydie Couturier
- Nicole Phillips

The winners of the Passions of Paradise Awards to attend the 2009 IPFC/ASFB/OCS conference were:
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 winners of the Passions of Paradise Awards during the 2008 OCS conference in Sydney were:

- Carley Bansemer (Oral presentation)
- Christopher Izzo (Oral presentation)
- Ron Schroeder (Poster presentation)
- Lindsay Marshall (Poster presentation)

Travel awards:
- Nicole Phillips
- Jeff Whitty
- Damian Rigg
- Christopher Izzo
- David Corro Espinosa 
- Conrad Speed

The winners of the Passions of Paradise Awards during the 2007 OCS conference in Queenscliff were:

- Rui Coelho (Oral presentation)
- Lorenz Frick (Oral presentation)
- Lindsay Marshall (Poster presentation)
- Michelle Treolar (Poster presentation)

2007 Passions of Paradis prize winners

Travel awards:
- Vera Schlussel
- Laura Jordan
- Blake Harahush
- Clint Chapman