Since I was a child, I have always felt a connection with nature. I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to find a purpose in life that revolved around the protection of our natural world. When I was in sixth form, I remember learning about coral bleaching in a geography class and the devastating effects of anthropogenic climate change on these incredible underwater cities. So, I decided to pursue a career in marine biology. I completed my undergraduate degree in Marine Biology BSc, and I am now a Master of Research student focusing on coral restoration and rehabilitation.
“I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to find a purpose in life that revolved around the protection of our natural world”
Studying marine life and understanding just how fascinating these complex underwater ecosystems are has allowed me to truly appreciate the ocean for what it is. It’s a whole other world down there. I’ve been lucky enough to dive in some incredible tropical places among beautiful coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Perhentian Islands, but even close to home being submerged in the North Sea and swimming through giant kelp forests is completely mesmerising. Equally, when I am above the water and going for a cold-water swim at the coast with friends, I get this exhilarating yet grounding sensation. Simply being in the ocean takes me to a place where I feel completely calm and connected to nature. It forces you into the present moment. There is no stressing about the future or worrying about the past, it’s just you, right now, in this vast expanse of water. You feel extremely small but in the most wonderful way, like you are a part of something bigger.
“Studying marine life and understanding just how fascinating these complex underwater ecosystems are has allowed me to truly appreciate the ocean for what it is”
I believe that finding this appreciation for nature will encourage us to do better for the environment – and we must do better! Humans and the ocean are interconnected with every breath we take. Marine plants called phytoplankton are responsible for producing over half of the world’s oxygen, so for perspective, every second breath we take comes from the ocean. The ocean is the earth’s life support system and we must protect it, not only for the sake of marine life but for us too.
If I can suggest one thing to anyone, it would be to go for a dip in the ocean. It doesn’t have to be for very long, nor do you have to swim very far. Hopping in for one minute can bring you closer to this feeling of connection with the natural world, a feeling I think we could all use more of.
