1. WHY IS CONSERVING AND PROTECTION THE OCEANS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
For much of my life, I’ve had the privilege of spending time above and below the waves. I have witnessed first-hand the beauty of marine animals working as a field marine biologist. I understand that healthy marine environments are essential to maintaining a livable planet, at least for life as we now know it. Everything that sustains me (and everyone else on Earth) has something to do with the oceans and their inhabitants: the air I breathe, the food I eat, the water I drink.
2. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT IS BETTER FOR THE OCEANS?
I have studied dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures for almost three decades now. Early on, however, I realized that doing scientific research without keeping conservation in mind was not enough considering the dire situation of our oceans. So, back in 1997, I co-founded Ocean Conservation Society with my husband Charles Saylan. Our mission: conduct long-term marine mammal research and educational projects for the protection of the oceans and marine wildlife. We study dolphins, whales, and other species in the wild and use our scientific data to bring about policy changes, raise public awareness, and protect these animals for future generations to appreciate.
Further, I write nonfiction books to share my passion for wildlife - and the need to protect it - with others. Every single day we uncover findings about non-human animals sharing the planet with us. As I explained in my latest book Stranded: Finding Nature in Uncertain Times, I believe that if we can genuinely begin to grasp other creatures’ intrinsic value in nature consider their interests, even feel their pain, then we may begin to develop the empathy required to respect them as fellow beings.
3. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SURFING INDUSTRY SPECIFICALLY CAN BE DOING TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH OF THE OCEANS?
Push not only for awareness but for action-oriented measures, support trustworthy ocean conservation organizations (do your research before donating money), inspire environmental stewardship, and ask your representatives to support policies that protect our oceans. One thing we can all do is not just recycle or buy sustainable products, but consume less. Starting today.
4. CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY BOOKS, BRANDS, ORGANISATIONS OR PEOPLE OUR FOLLOWERS SHOULD CHECK OUT FOR INSPIRATION?
BOOKS - I put together two lists, one for books that I like about the oceans
(https://shepherd.com/best-books/the-ocean-and-its-inhabitants) and one for better understanding how non-human animals (marine or otherwise) think and feel (https://shepherd.com/best-books/what-animals-feel-and-think). And if any of your readers are interested in knowing more about becoming a marine biologist, working with dolphins, whales and other creatures, appreciating nature, and learning more about ocean conservation, feel free to take a look at any of my books (https://www.oceanconservation.org/maddalena-bearzi-author/).
BRANDS - I believe Patagonia is a good choice.
PEOPLE - here are just a few names: Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall, Carl Safina, Ed Young, and Greta Thunberg.
ANY FINAL MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Sure, and it’s a call to action because we all ought to do something to avert this global crisis.
As I wrote in Stranded: Finding Nature in Uncertain Times, I believe “… there is still hope. But hope demands, or better yet, is, action and commitment. It’s not hoping someone else will do something. Because climate change is here, knocking at everyone’s door.”