Ellie Wins Ocean Decade Writing Competition 15 March 2021

Year 10 student Ellie Sillar has won the Marine Biological Association’s (MBA) Ocean Decade writing competition for her age group. Her piece, including her own illustrations, will be published in the Marine Biologist magazine and is under review for publication in the Guardian’s Seascape section.

The MBA exists to support and serve the marine biological community, and their Young Marine Biologist membership category is dedicated to those passionate about marine biology aged under 18. Their annual essay competition invites members to ‘submit pieces which are well researched, imaginative and thought-provoking’. Ellie’s piece ticked all of these boxes and really impressed the panel of judges.

Ellie said: “The competition is usually launched at the Young Marine Biologist summit in Cornwall. However, in 2020 it took place online which allowed me to attend along with 300 participants from 38 different countries. I’m so pleased to have won and look forward to seeing my piece in print.”

Head of Year 10 at BMS, Mr Kerr, added: “I am thrilled that Ellie has seen such success supporting a cause she is so passionate about and the fact that she also produced her own illustrations is very impressive indeed! She is fully committed to supporting marine biology and has a very bright future ahead of her.”