STUDENTS from Weymouth are set to embark on a globe-trotting journey to raise awareness of marine conservation issues.

Rhys Diplock, 22, who studied at Budmouth College, is setting off for Tenerife in June after completing a degree in marine biology at Plymouth University. He will be joined by five other students, including Billy Wills, also from Weymouth, who studied zoology and herpetology at Bangor University.

The group will volunteer for the Atlantic Whale Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness of the threats to whale populations as a result of human activity.

The ocean around Tenerife plays host to around a third of the world’s species of whales and dolphins.

The foundation takes part in photographing and cataloguing local populations in order to learn more about the creatures and observe changes in their behaviour.

Rhys said that whaling is not a big issue in Tenerife, but is prominent in some European countries such as Norway and Iceland.

He added: “It is our job to raise awareness and to clue people in about it. It is not that people don’t care; they just don’t know.”

He said that his love of the oceans was inspired by his childhood on the Dorset coast.

Rhys added: “I think, if I did not grow up in Weymouth, I would not have done it.

“I guess I found my passion with it in Dorset, with its incredible coastlines and the countless places you can visit along the Jurassic coast.”

Rhys said that he is keen to bring his newfound knowledge back to Weymouth when he returns to British shores in September.

“I plan on going back to Budmouth to have a chat with the students after I come back from Tenerife. It would be great to let them know about what we are doing and about the different marine courses available at university.”

The group is also set to climb Mount Teide as part of the trip to raise money for the foundation.

To donate to their fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/Teide-AWF.