Increasing awareness of issues surrounding the marine environment motivated D'Arcy to study marine science.

'These issues are both numerous and diverse,' he explains. 'This makes for an ideal field in which to begin a challenging and rewarding career and ultimately help to make a difference in securing and preserving our oceans for future generations.'

'The ocean has provided me with so much enjoyment throughout my life, which has motivated me to give back to it through science.'

With many of D'Arcy's interests involving water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and sporting and volunteer surf life saving, preserving the ocean is very important to him.

D'Arcy's thesis investigates the globally invasive sea squirt, Styelaclava, which could potentially threaten New Zealand's marine environment and resources, particularly the longline mussel aquaculture industry.

Studying has been rewarding for D'Arcy as it involves problem-solving as well as enjoying the outdoors.

'My time is split between snorkelling around pilings/pontoons in Lyttelton harbour to monitor Styela clava populations and investigating various aspects of Styela clava around the world from behind my desk. In my opinion this balance of practical and theoretical work makes study both challenging and enjoyable.'

'Ecology and in particular marine science are great areas of science to immerse yourself in. It is both a challenging and rewarding science and is often a lot of fun, especially getting out in the field.'

'I enjoy working alongside the people that I do on my project, specifically the Marine Ecology Research Group, and the support that they give me.'

'I chose to study at UC as Canterbury is where my family resides. I have come to enjoy my time studying at UC more and more as the years fly by, so I have continued my education here.'