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my
MISSION
"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
- Robert Swan OBE
Our planet does not have infinite resources nor indefinite capacity to withstand all the damage we continue to inflict upon it. The global news reports of extreme weather storms, mass deforestation, pollution, endangered or lost flora and fauna, are the clearest examples of planet danger at our doorstep.
Awareness of environmental and health issues related to ocean pollution, in particular, plastic pollution, are now mainstream. The devastating impact of plastic pollution is readily seen first-hand in my day to day work. Whether I am on the water near Vancouver, Scotland or the Antarctic, it is inevitable to comeacross floating debris and even entangled marine life. No matter how remote an ecosystem is, it will still show the artefacts of human influence. The demand for immediate action is understandable. But there isn’t an easy fix or a one-size-fits-all solution.
Since hearing this quote in 2012, I have dedicated my career towards marine mammal research and conservation. I believe it is my professional and personal responsibility to apply my knowledge and skills in challenging the major threats to global conservation and the quality of life for the next generation.
"No matter how remote an ecosystem is, it will still show the artefacts of human influence"
I believe the first step to conquering these issues is by increasing awareness, understanding and accepting the need for urgent action by us all. This has driven me to create and implement multiple ocean awareness programmes including public talks, local beach cleans and film screenings.
Whilst working on board expedition vessels and local vessels, I focus my lectures on the critical importance of marine conservation and the increasingly drastic effects we are having on our changing climate.
I volunteered for Ocean Generation (formerly known as Plastic Oceans UK), where I created online school lessons focused on plastic pollution. During this time, I was surprised at the interest and engagement of the students, and so I recognised the overwhelming need to integrate climate related lessons into everyday learning for the next generation. This resulted in further roles as a marine science educator, creating and delivering educational material for students in Canada.
" Effecting change is difficult, but it is not impossible"
Today, as a marine biologist at Whale Seeker, we are focused on enhancing the understanding and protection of marine mammals, through a combination of cutting-edge technology and ecological research. By analyzing ecological data and providing valuable insights, I help advance Whale Seeker's mission to safeguard marine life, ecosystems and to raise public awareness about their vital roles.
Governments and policies are fine in principle, but they can be slow and subject to geopolitical interference. It has long been recognised that increasing awareness and public engagement, helps to increase active participation and in turn, effect positive changes at numerous levels. Effecting change is difficult, but it is not impossible. By tackling different aspects of climate change from the ground up – led by communities – thinking locally can build an array of small actions that culminate in significant change overall.
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