ABOUT
Imogen is a Post Doctoral Researcher at The University of Plymouth. Her research investigates the sources of plastic pollution into the environment.
In 2018, Imogen became a National Geographic Explorer and Sky Ocean Rescue Scholar. This funded her ongoing research to investigate different inventions which aim to capture fibres in the washing machine cycle, to stop them potentially entering the environment.
Currently, Imogen is working as an expedition scientist with National Geographic on the ‘Sea to Source’ expedition investigating plastic pollution in the River Ganges.
Imogen gave a brilliant talk on "How Microplastics Enter Our Oceans" at the Explorers Festival London for National Geographic Society - Click HERE
1. WHY IS CONSERVING AND PROTECTION THE OCEANS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I live in Plymouth so I’d make the drive down to Newquay for my local break. We haven’t had the most luck with swell this summer near where I live, but it’s picking up again. With the lack of waves I’ve also been going to the wave in Bristol as my parents live nearby, and I’ve found amazing for consistent practise, trial and error!
2. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT IS BETTER FOR THE OCEANS?
I was doing some research out in The Bahamas on an island called Eleuthera. There was a break there called surfers beach that was literally empty. Maybe 2-5 surfers max, clean >3 ft waves, and technically a reef break but the water was always deep. It was my first time surfing without a wetsuit which was dreamy and the sunsets will stay in my mind forever.
3. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SURFING INDUSTRY SPECIFICALLY CAN BE DOING TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH OF THE OCEANS?
I absolutely love surfing. I find it so grounding, it gives me a chance to reset/breath and I’m grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in a constantly changing environment. A large part of why I’m a marine scientist is because of connecting with the ocean and learning about it through surfing. The surf industry has an amazing opportunity to introduce more people into surfing, connecting them to the natural environment and provide education of why we need to protect it.
4. CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY BOOKS, BRANDS, ORGANISATIONS OR PEOPLE OUR FOLLOWERS SHOULD CHECK OUT FOR INSPIRATION?
There are so many surf focussed brands and organisations with environmentalism, activism or community at heart of what they do. The ones that spring into my mind:
Surfers Against Sewage - a charity aimed at creating positive environmental change though consumer awareness, industry and governmental action.
The Wave Project - a charity which provides surfing opportunities to disadvantaged children. Having volunteered in a few of their sessions, seeing how much happiness and confidence their sessions provided was such a heart warming feeling.
Finiesterre - a clothing brand that makes sustainable clothing that’s built to last and not be fast fashion. The materials are sourced sustainably and ethically.
ANY FINAL MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Our planet is being pushed to its limits. We need to keep spreading the message and creating change through education. Let’s keep learning, having discussion (even if sometimes uncomfortable) and taking steps in the right direction. And the cherry on top, keep surfing to remind yourself why we need to protect it!
For more information on Imogen, please visit her website HERE
