How I became a marine biologist

Charlotte Bolton, our Seasearch Co-ordinator, shares her journey to becoming a marine biologist...or, her "long and winding path to becoming an amateur squidge geek!" 

My early life in the depths of the East Midlands, about as far from the sea as you can get, wasn’t auspicious in terms of signalling where I was eventually to end up, but did instil in me a deep love of nature and collecting ‘treasures’ in matchboxes. I grew up on a farm in South Leicestershire and spent my days out and about enjoying the freedom of the countryside. We had traditional family holidays at the seaside and I clearly remember my fear of the lurking worms in the casts at Lepe on the Solent (some things haven’t changed; I’m still not at all keen on worms, eels and snakes and am guaranteed to use up my air very quickly diving a wreck with lurking congers…)

School wasn’t particularly high on my list of favourite things but I was a quietly rebellious bookish nerd even at a young age and found the arcane rules and regulations of lessons restrictive and boring. Fast-forward to secondary school, now slightly further south in Northamptonshire and the same applied – I can’t do three science ‘O’ levels? Really?! How ridiculous is that? Fortunately I had a supportive biology teacher who gave me the material to work on at home, though eventually I chose to read chemistry at university – it all came very easily to me, apart from the lab work which mostly resulted in a lot of broken test tubes! I simply couldn’t translate the clean and tidy world of the theory into the mess that were my experiments… King’s College London came to my rescue in offering a degree in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry – perfect! My final year undergrad project “Application of Lie Groups and Clifford Algebras to the Valence Bond Method” (no, it makes less sense to me now too!) led on to a PhD in radiation chemistry, looking at the theory of spin effects and lots of quantum mechanics – Professor Brian Cox without the stars, if you like. But it gave me the opportunity to travel and work in the United States and I spent two summers at the Radiation Laboratory of the University of Notre Dame, home of the famous Fighting Irish college football team.

I still wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do as a career but enjoyed exercising my brain (and people seemed prepared to pay me to do so…) and continued in research at the Medical Research Council Harwell Lab near Oxford, modelling the effects of radiation on biomolecules such as DNA. Three years later and I was forced to conclude that I was not really cut out for a research career so took a sideways move into IT support 100 miles further east in the Fens – the Unilever Centre for Molecular Science Informatics at the University of Cambridge to be precise. Here I was responsible for all aspects of IT in this newly-built research centre – well-remunerated but very stressful… Fortunately around this time I decided that I needed more water in my life, and learned to dive with Gozo Aqua Sports in Marsalforn, Gozo in 2002. Hindsight is wonderful – how I wished I’d done this years ago…! Diving and Gozo have been central to my life ever since.

A summer sabbatical of sailing in the north-east US hit another chord, but was ultimately a break from the reality of my parents both passing in quick succession and prompting a radical re-think on life…and a move to Southampton to indulge my love of the sea at last with a Masters in Ocean Sciences. All the jobs I had looked at either wanted a year of unpaid work in lieu of experience, or a Masters degree – no contest!

And so began a return to studenthood – a fabulous period not only for being based in the wonderful National Oceanography Centre but all the extra-curricular activities that took over all my spare time and more. A project based on habitat mapping in the West Solent introduced me to the ‘joys’ of GIS and the marine habitat classification, EUNIS biotope codes and broad-scale habitats, but even more importantly I was so fortunate to meet the people who have mentored me in my current incarnation as squidge geek, and continue as friends to this day – Ken Collins and Jenny Mallinson from the NOC, Lin Baldock (professional marine biologist and now Dorset/Hampshire Seasearch co-ordinator) and Mike Markey (now retired but then owner of the dive boat ‘Peveril Myth’ on which so many adventures took place). I think the finest hour of dedicated survey effort for Jenny and I was measuring Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) at Weston Point in the snow one December…

My overseas diving was somewhat curtailed by no longer being employed so I quickly learned to use a drysuit and got used to the cooler greener waters of home. I now do most of my diving in the UK and Seasearch has been an integral part of that transition. I can’t remember exactly where or when I first heard about the program (probably at the Dive Show in Birmingham?) What a brilliant idea! As the one buried in the ID books at the dive centre straight after every dive, this was just what I was looking for! Nice slow bimbles followed by geeky discussions about what you’d seen on the dive… This is the thing I really love about Seasearch trips (though I admit we do sometimes come across as being a bit anorak-y…perhaps it’s the bags of collected seaweed or pots of unidentified ‘turf’?!)

An advert for Data and Survey Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, with part of the job being to co-ordinate Dorset Seasearch activities, convinced me to make the move from Cambridge in 2012. Sometimes you just have to up sticks and make the leap of faith.

Now I live 30m from the sea and even the storms of February 2014 weren’t a deterrent – it’s fascinating watching the beach change shape with every tide and listening to the waves crash onto the shingle. We used to holiday at Chesil Cove in the 1980s, and in many ways Portland hasn’t changed very much at all.

And so to the present… I took over from Chris Wood as National Seasearch Co-ordinator in 2016 and now spend too much time with budget spreadsheets and grant proposals, but with the added bonus of travelling round to meet all the co-ordinators and find out what’s going on in their patch. The high points of the job are generally when I am either involved in Seasearch survey dives as a volunteer, with other equally keen/mad (depending on the conditions) volunteers, or delivering talks and training courses to enthuse new people about coming and joining us. I am proof that you don’t need to be a professional marine biologist, you just need enthusiasm for marine life, be keen to want to learn more about it and willing to give up your spare time to do so. The rewards come in the form of concrete, real-life conservation successes such as Marine Protected Areas or fishery byelaws based on your efforts (oh yeah, and the cake…!)

In 2018 we celebrated 30 years of Seasearch surveys under that name, which is a magnificent achievement and grand testimony to the dedication of all the people who’ve been involved in the program since then (and earlier – back to the 1970s and the Year of Underwater Conservation). I am exceedingly proud to be part of the ongoing Seasearch story…

If you want to find out more about Seasearch, please visit:- www.seasearch.org.uk/

Sea Champions from Plymouth University SCUBA Society complete the Seasearch Observer Course

Sea Champion Georgie talks about organising a Seasearch Observer Course for the SCUBA Society at Plymouth University. 

"Seasearch is a project for volunteer scuba divers and snorkellers who have an interest in what they're seeing underwater, want to learn more and want to help protect the marine environment around the coasts of Britain and Ireland. The main aim is to map out the various types of sea bed found in the near-shore zone around the whole of Britain and Ireland. In addition, we are recording what lives in each area, establishing the richest sites for marine life, the sites where there are problems and the sites which need protection." Seasearch

Two Sea Champion students at Plymouth University, along with five other members of the UPSU SCUBA Society completed the Seasearch Observer Course last month. The course comprised of a theory session hosted on campus on Saturday 16th November followed by two survey dives the next day on West Hoe Waterfront.

Sea Champion and SCUBA Society Chair, Georgie, wanted to organise an observer training course to provide an opportunity for members to develop their scientific diving skills. Becoming a Seasearch observer is the perfect way for divers to build up their marine identification, underwater photography, and surveying skills. Arguably the best part about the course is that it is open to recreational and commercial divers, which allows greater participation across programmes and experience levels. The course not only teaches students how to carry out survey work but also raises awareness about Seasearch’s impact on marine management.


Sea Champion Sally said:

“I found the Seasearch Observer course really useful for solidifying my knowledge of local identification of species. It was run professionally and organised amazingly well by the SCUBA committee. The teacher, Chris Webb, was wonderful and engaging throughout the whole theory day, and excellent at developing our written survey skills after our dives the following day. It was brilliant also having experienced Seasearch diver Chris Wood on the scene for the diving, making sure our ID and biotopes were correct. Lovely people to work with and I can't wait to get some more survey dives under my (weight) belt!”

Dan said:

“I thought it was beneficial in adding a more practical, marine conservation element to our diving as it was really well related to our course. It gives you more initiative to go diving and discover different sites around Plymouth, and feels rewarding that you're adding to conservation data set."

Mason said:

“Before the course, I dived for fun but now I have a new perspective of what I see when I dive.”

Greg said:

“I loved the course. I personally thought it was really helpful as I’m an ocean ex/surveying student so my species ID isn’t the best, but it improved it a lot.”


Georgie, Sea Champion and current SCUBA Society Chair

“It was a pleasure arranging the course for our members, many of which are keen to continue their journey as an observer and fill out forms on club dives. I’d like to thank Chris for all of her efforts and for making the course so enjoyable.”

After completing the observer course, students are required to complete three observer forms to become a qualified observer. Students at the University are now using club dives to complete their qualification. If you’d like to become an observer, Seasearch Devon Co-ordinator Chris Webb is running a course on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2020 at Fort Bovisand, Plymouth. Other course dates and locations are available and can be viewed at www.seasearch.org.uk/training.html. Observers are also
encouraged to join Seasearch dives, where they can fill out forms with local expert observers and co-ordinators. Seasearch also offers special interest courses and the Surveyor courses for observers keen to better their skills.

Georgie has since delivered a successful talk at The Waterfront, Plymouth, which was kindly hosted by Plymouth Sound Divers (BSAC Club). The talk was open to all and detailed the background of Seasearch, what is expected of volunteers, how the data provided by volunteers is used and finished off with the importance of recording at depths below 30m. She received positive feedback from those in the club who regularly dive below 30m, some of which were keen to become observers. She also introduced the ReMEDIES project to the club and told them about the Plymouth SAC and its seagrass habitats. No doubt she will keep them up-to-date with any dives happening in that area! Fantastic work Georgie!

Seashore citizen science for Duke of Edinburgh award

At MCS, we value all the contributions that volunteers give to our work. Citizen science projects are a great way to support the conservation of the marine environment and they help us to understand some of the impacts of climate change. Anneliese, one of our Sea Champions, has been taking part in three citizen science projects as part of her Duke of Edinburgh award. She tells us more about what she has been getting up to on our coastlines...

I am a second year Environmental Science student studying at The University of Plymouth. I am currently undertaking my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and a requirement for this is to complete 18 months of volunteering for a minimum of an hour a week. My university was offering a volunteering fair where I met Jules Agate (Sea Champions Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager). Jules explained to me what volunteering positions were available for me to help with on a long-term scale. That’s when I heard about citizen science projects ‘The Big Seaweed Search’, ‘Marine Invaders’ and ‘CrabWatch’. The Big Seaweed Search involves undertaking shore surveys to record different types of seaweeds to help scientific research. These seaweeds range from species such as Serrated Wrack, Channelled Wrack and Coral Weed (just a few examples). 

 

Coral Weed found at Wembury Bay

Edible Crab found at Jennycliff

Serrated Wrack found at Mousehole Harbour

Channelled Wrack found in the Yealm

Identification guides for all species, as well as recording forms are all available online at http://bigseaweedsearch.org/. You also input your collected data and photos into an online database via the link too. Its super-simple once you know what you’re doing and a great excuse to get outside! There are some days of course when its unsafe to venture too close to the sea, meaning a lay day or two may be required, if there are health and safety risks. Obviously, tides can also affect the timings of your searches if your destination involves a rocky shore. That’s where the Marine Biological Association project, ‘CrabWatch’ comes in!

CrabWatch is a hunt for different species of crabs that can be surveyed at a rocky shore, off a jetty etc. This means that when the tide is too high to survey a rocky shore, CrabWatch can be adapted when the tide is high by crabbing from a pier or a harbour wall. Again, all ID guides and recording sheets are available here: www.mba.ac.uk/crabwatch/.

Additionally, ‘Marine Invaders’ is another scheme developed through the Capturing Our Coast partnership involving the Marine Conservation Society and Marine Biological Association, amongst others. Non-native species are searched for and assessed such as the Pacific Oyster compared to the European Oyster. The same method is used where-by you visit the rocky shore or sea wall etc with your ID guide and look out for the species on the recording form: www.mba.ac.uk/marineinvaders/.

All three of the above are super exciting and fun to get involved in. Not only do you help out a great cause by being a citizen scientist, but you also get to develop an array of skills ranging from species identification through to even noticing trends from shore to shore yourself (once you’ve had a go a few times). I would definitely recommend getting in touch with the Marine Conservation Society (who are super friendly and helpful) to get all the advice you need to become an MCS Sea Champion and citizen scientist on the shore!

A surprise win!

Every year, MCS have an Annual General Meeting (AGM) were we celebrate our achievements and the work of our supporters. One of the ways we do this is by awarding someone our Outstanding Achievement Award (previously known as the “Fish Award”). This year, the winner of this award was our Sea Champion, Andy. It came as a bit of a surprise...

I’ve been volunteering for MCS since 2012, organising and running beach cleans in my local area. When my employer launched an environmental initiative in 2015, I worked with MCS and my employer to organise a beach clean for staff members, which was a great success!

I have been involved with a joint MCS and Defra project since September 2015. The project is part of UK’s contribution to a piece of EU legislation called the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The project is a specific monitoring programme, four times per year, on up to 20 beaches geographically spread around the UK. I have run all MSFD events in my local area since the project started. The data collected goes directly to Defra, however MSFD monitoring requires us to look at the same set of beaches over the next three years, and needs to have the full set of seasonal data (i.e. four times per year).

In addition, I have delivered education sessions in schools, attended events and campaigned to ban the mass release of balloons and sky lanterns. I do also volunteer for a couple of other charities, as well as working in retail.

Whilst I consider my volunteering role to play an important part of the bigger picture, I’m always inspired by people who fundraise for MCS in amazing ways, such as swimming the English Channel or rowing the Atlantic single-handed. There are so many passionate people raising awareness of plastic pollution, climate change and the health of our seas, that I was really surprised to learn that I had been nominated for the Outstanding Achievement Award. Not only that, but I’d also won it!

Helping to raise the profile of the work MCS do and how our actions are affecting the planet is something I care greatly about. I never imagined (or expected) to win an award for volunteering with MCS. but it was truly humbling to receive it!

It was a great experience to attend MCS’s AGM in London, and to catch up with some familiar faces. The evening was positive and had a lovely atmosphere. Now I’m looking forward to 2020 and continuing with my volunteering. 

Well done Andy! And to all our Sea Champions who help us across the country with our work. If you would like to attend a beach clean, or run your own, feel free to visit our Beachwatch website: mcsuk.org/beachwatch.

Thank you to all our volunteers!

2019 was a wonderful year with incredible support from our amazing volunteers! Here's what you achieved in 12 months...

Why should you volunteer?

We always love to hear from our volunteers and what they enjoy about their experiences with us. Our Sea Champion, Ben, has shared with us why he feels volunteering for Marine Conservation Society is important to him.

Volunteering isn't easy. I'm not referring to the act of giving up one's own time in order to contribute to important work, but instead to finding an organisation that thrives off the contributions of volunteer efforts. I'm glad to say that the Marine Conservation Society embraces such efforts.

At the start of 2019 I found myself working on a freelance basis for the first time which allowed me free time to do something I've wanted to do for many years - dive into the exciting adventure that is volunteering for charities and causes that really got me excited. 

So far I have worked on a voluntary basis for five charities. All charities are based within the environmental/animal welfare/conservation area, but not all are equal. Only with the Marine Conservation Society have I found a place to contribute my time and effort, and in return, become part of an important team that I feel is making a real impact on UK shores. For this I am very glad I have found, and met, some great people within MCS. 

A normal day with MCS consists of carrying out beach cleans on some of the most awesome coastlines in the world. I don't think I'm milking it…have you seen the British coastline on a sunny day?! I've cleaned beaches with local residents of coastal towns, seen companies excited about helping out, and been involved with supporting local schools (kids love the beach and upon finding litter on said beach are very enthusiastic beach cleaners which is very reassuring to witness!)

With the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleans it's not only the fact that we are removing large amounts of litter off the beaches which makes the work so worthwhile, it is also about promoting education as an important part of the day on the beach. Don't stop reading - learning is cool! 

Beach clean days allow us to show the impacts of items we’re throwing away, even though their effect on our environment might not be immediately obvious. Did you know it takes a disposable nappy up to 500 years to decompose? I didn’t until recently and neither do many people who take part in beach clean days. This stuff is really important, because knowledge is power, and that's important when you are trying to save the world (or at least the oceans). Every second breath you take comes from the ocean, so protecting it and educating people about it is of the upmost importance. Facts like this are flying all over the place at MCS beach cleans, and it's surprising and alarming how some people aren't up-to-date with their biodegradable timescales (right?). 

I've found myself away on trips surveying whales, dolphins and porpoises in seas far away with charities wondering if these mammals will be here much longer if it wasn't for work being done by charities like MCS. Did you know the garbage patch in the North Pacific is nine times larger than the UK? MCS is actively reducing the chances of such garbage patches growing by getting rubbish off the beaches before it joins the ever-growing problem. 

MCS is carrying out important work that is ensuring a future for marine wildlife in our seas and on our shores. If you want to get involved, a good place to start would be the Great British Beach Clean taking place between 20th-23rd September country-wide. If you pop down to the SE coast you could meet me! Any time you can put in is always appreciated and MCS is always very happy to see you there. 

Check out the full list of beach cleans happening for the Great British Beach Clean and regular beach cleans in your area at: mcsuk.org/beachwatch/events.

Although Great British Beach Clean is fast approaching, there is still time to register to organise or participate in a beach clean. Visit mcsuk.org/beachwatch to find out more.

How Amy is championing our seas

Shawn and Bethany from The Marine Diaries, recently interviewed one of our Sea Champions, Amy to find out how her volunteering role with Marine Conservation Society has changed her life. 

Sea Champion, citizen scientist, podcast founder, dedicated marine advocate. All of these words can be used to describe Amy Parker, a woman driven by her passion for the ocean to raise awareness for marine conservation. We sat down for an interview with Amy to get an inside look at what it means to be a Sea Champion and how she found her voice for the marine world through Sea Tales.

Standing on the iconic shoreline of Sand Bay. Photo: Amy Parker

HEY, AMY! TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Hi there, I am a Scot living in Bristol but about to move Yorkshire. I work in education and campaigning and my passion is marine conservation. Nothing makes me happier than exploring rock pools, cleaning beaches, hunting for cowries or snorkelling – not too deep though! As much as I love the ocean, I haven’t been able to get over my fear of deep water.

YOU’VE BUILT YOUR LIFE AROUND THE OCEAN. WHAT DREW YOU TO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE?

I grew up by the coast in Edinburgh and spent every summer camping by the beach. It is where I feel the most at home. Scotland has the most beautiful white sandy beaches. If it wasn’t for the water temperature you would think you were in the tropics.

Iona Beach, located on Scotland’s west coast. Photo: Amy Parker

DESCRIBE THE PATH YOU TOOK TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW.

Looking back I wish I had studied marine biology. Instead, I went to Edinburgh University to train in education. After jobs in schools and community settings I started working in campaigning, but not in the conservation sector; I always felt that I wanted to do more to help the marine environment but wasn’t sure what to do. Then I started volunteering in my spare time with Marine Conservation Society as a Sea Champion.

For the last 5 years I have organised beach cleans, delivered workshops on marine pollution, taken part in citizen science costal surveys, campaigned on marine protection and finally feel like I am making a difference. I have also continued my education by taking the Delve Deeper distance learning marine biology course, conducting surveys as a citizen scientist, setting up a podcast called Sea Tales, and training as a Marine Medic with British Divers Marine Life Rescue. There are lots of different ways to get more involved in marine conservation and volunteering has a real impact.

Just one of many beach cleans that Amy has been apart of. Photo: Amy Parker

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION. YOU’VE SPENT YEARS LEADING BEACH CLEAN-UPS; HOW HAVE THEY BEEN RECEIVED BY LOCAL BEACH COMMUNITIES?

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is a brilliant organisation. It’s the UK’s leading charity for protection of our seas, shores and wildlife and has been running beach cleans for over 25 years. I organized beach cleans at the south end (you always survey the same 100 meters each time) of Sand Bay in North Somerset for 3 years. Through beach cleans I’ve met hundreds of wonderful, dedicated volunteers, many who travelled for miles to get involved.

In my experience, the beach communities have been really pleased to get more help keeping their shorelines clean and raising awareness of the issues. It’s a never ending task now. The cleans also help research, as every piece of rubbish collected is logged. Each year, MCS releases a report on the findings. The information is also added to the global trash index for international research. An average of 600 items are found on every 100 meters surveyed. At Sand Bay we found between 200-400+ cotton bud sticks at each event (yuk, flushed down the loo). Hopefully legislation to ban plastic cotton bud sticks will help stop this!

A discarded fishing lure lies on top of a record sheet used to log rubbish collected on Sand Bay’s shoreline. Photo: Amy Parker

HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR VOICE AND WORK WILL INFLUENCE OTHERS?

I recently went to Scotland’s International Marine Conference. Lewis Pugh, endurance swimmer and ocean advocate, said that one of the things that struck him the most about his recent UK swim was the lack of wildlife. We are losing species and destroying marine habitats at such a fast pace, we have no choice but to act or it will be gone.

I hope I can help raise awareness that we are all connected to the marine environment, whether we live by it or in cities miles away, and we can all make small changes to help protect it.

Hunting for nurdles – small pellets used as raw material during the manufacturing of plastic products. Photo: Amy Parker

YOU’VE RECENTLY STARTED SEA TALES. WHAT DROVE YOU TO LAUNCH YOUR OWN PODCAST?

I love podcasts but couldn’t find any specifically about the amazing marine species living in and visiting UK waters, so I started Sea Tales. Sea Tales is a monthly podcast that invites experts to talk about life under the waves around our coast. So far, we have discussed marine life rescues, Britain’s seahorses, seaweeds, sailing and ocean literacy and UK shark species. People have been so generous with their time – it feels like everyone wants to work together to make a difference. I even contacted Jennifer Stock, the host from my favourite marine podcast, Ocean Currents, and she was really helpful and supportive.

Photo: Amy Parker

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM GUEST FOR THE SEA TALES PODCAST?

There are so many brilliant marine biologists and conservationists but I think it would have to be David Attenborough! I grew up watching him on TV and feel like he has inspired so many people to love the natural world.

I UNDERSTAND YOU’RE IN THE MIDST OF TRANSITIONING TO A ZERO-WASTE LIFESTYLE. ARE THERE ANY TIPS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?

Do as much as you can. It is hard to be completely zero-waste, but reducing single-use plastics (items you use once then throw away) makes a massive difference! I like to think of the quote by social activist Howard Zinn:

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”

Start with simple changes, such as:

• Use a refillable water bottle and reusable coffee cup. It will become second nature quite quickly.
• Download the Refill App and find out where you can refill your water bottle for free. Loads of train stations have them now.
• Find your local bulk supply shop and buy the foods, household cleaning and beauty products that you frequently use by bringing your own containers to fill.
• Use your voice and vote with your money.
• Refuse single use plastic like straws and bags.

It might feel a bit strange at first to bring your own containers and grocery bags, but even the conversation around why you are doing it helps get people talking and thinking about the issues. The mantra, ‘whales or plastic’ helps me focus on the real impact.

Some examples of Amy’s zero-waste efforts. Photo: Amy Parker

One of my favourite products is Original Cork flip flops, made of completely natural materials. They give you a spring in your step without leaving behind microplastics from your soles! I find plastic flip flops on loads of the beach cleans and would love to see this change.

WHOSE WORK HAS INFLUENCED AND INSPIRED YOU?

My granny loved nature and gave me The Young Green Consumer Guidewhen I was in primary school. It really started me thinking about how much damage we are causing the earth from an early age. That and Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.

More recently, I’ve been inspired by following Instagram posts on marine conservation, all the brilliant beach and litter pickers, those trying to lead zero waste lives and the youth movement on climate change. It’s great to see everyone using their voice to help inspire people to look after the environment, including you guys! @cleanourpatch@citytosea_@Pentwyn.Pickers@youthstrike4climate

@mediabymads and @emptythetanksworldwide are really powerful at highlighting cruelty to cetaceans in captivity for the entertainment business. We need this information taught in schools to help make this type of abuse a thing of the past. I never would have gone to SeaWorld as a kid if I knew the real story.

@plasticoceansUK and @exxpedition_highlight the human health impacts of plastic toxins, which is such an important message to get out there too. Our bodies are absorbing plastic, just like marine animals, and we don’t yet know the impact that it will have.

Plastics, among other litter, collected during a Sand Bay beach clean. Photo: Amy Parker

IF SOMEONE WANTED TO START THEIR OWN SCIENCE OR EDUCATIONAL PODCAST, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

Just get started and don’t worry if it isn’t perfect. I am not very technical so I have a company to help with the editing, but I am trying to learn to do that myself this year. There are so many apps and software packages that can help. For example, Sound Cloud is really easy to use to get you started. I have loved creating Sea Talesand would be more than happy to chat with anyone about it. You can reach me via DM @sea_ tales__on Instagram.

Into the Industry explores the lives and vocations of professionals, academics and those working in the marine biology world

IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SEA TALES OR THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY, FOLLOW THEM ON INSTAGRAM @SEA_TALES__AND @MCS_UK

IF YOU’VE ENJOYED READING THIS INTERVIEW, LOOK OUT FOR MORE INTO THE INDUSTRY ARTICLES FROM SHAWN AND FOLLOW HIM HERE @SHAWNSKI13 // @NEGATIVESNANCY

It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm and passion our Sea Champions have and the variety of ways that people can raise awareness of the impact marine litter has on our oceans! Visit our website to find out more about how you can get involved in our work:- www.mcsuk.org