My connection to the Ocean is something that has deepened over the years. Growing up in North London on the outskirts of the City, I was landlocked in an urban area. My only connection to the Ocean had been on family holidays to Cornwall. But fast-forward six years and with one relocation to West Cornwall under the family belt, my life has changed completely. 

Now, I am based in the South West, in Britain’s Ocean City and working for the Ocean Conservation Trust’s Public Engagement team where the heart of my role is to engage and inspire people about Ocean conservation. 

Despite being in its relative infancy, the marine conservation sector is an increasingly demanding and competitive industry to get into and it favours those with various experience under their belt. But to those who have barriers in their way – the financial barrier being the highest, it would seem – getting the experience required can often be out of reach. 

SharkAdemy is breaking down those barriers. Offering an affordable Shark Specialist Residential in the UK means young, aspiring marine conservationists – those who have a barrier to gain experience in the sector – can foster meaningful connections and opportunities to develop their careers further. Spending a week in wild Wales with other passionate marine people from all across the UK has truly been one of my greatest highlights of the year.

Walking into the room on day one, the first thing I saw was a table of shark specimens. It was a vision that lit a spark in my soul. A gnarly set of shark jaws, mega teeth, and a beautiful collection of egg cases. I am fascinated by specimens. You have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of natural history; to touch, feel and get connected to what was once part of a remarkable living creature, and hold it in your own hands. From the eggcase symbolising the start of a life, to the skull of a being that is no longer on this Earth – something about this is incredibly grounding. Perhaps even magical.

The next few days were spent bonding with one-another, exchanging stories about our personal journeys into the marine world and tales of the ocean adventures we have had over the years. Everyone in the room had one thing in common, a powerful passion for the Ocean. And one that was simply contagious. We had talks from people from all backgrounds and areas of the sector, each of them sharing how the ocean has influenced their lives and how they have made it their life’s mission to do what they can to protect it. We’re talking about talks from marine scientists, natural history directors, conservation and research officers, and of course wildlife guides. All of them shared their personal stories and in doing so, opened up our worlds to the opportunities that are out there for us all. It was inspiring to hear from each and every one of these experts. 

Being held here in Pembrokeshire, the weather was typically British, which is shorthand for ‘bleak;’ but one mustn’t grumble about it. When the clouds eventually broke, each of us – within an instant – had packed up our wetsuits and flippers and were headed out into the Celtic Deep. 

With the silhouette of Pembrokeshire behind us, we welcomed the open ocean to quickly realise with delight that we were not alone. We had blue fin tuna breaching, common dolphins bowriding and Northern Gannets diving like rockets into the surface of the water. 

One thing you quickly learn about the UK when you work in this community, is that our coastline is incredibly diverse. It is filled with marine mammals, great sea birds and beast-like fish. We are incredibly lucky to have them on our coastal doorstep.

Topside, and while on the boat we had the chance to learn about Environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS), and Shark Tagging methods that are used by scientists to gather data on marine species such as blue sharks, such as those that we hoped to encounter during this residency. 

Within no-time at all, we reached our destination – the Celtic Deep, where we were instantly welcomed by the presence of dorsal fins, just poking out of the water. Blue sharks! Soon enough we were in the water, a majesty of deep-blue sharks swimming under our fins and gliding past us, just inches away. With nothing but the splashing of the waves over our heads, we all floated there among them, transfixed in an awe of silence. Suffice to say, we were mesmerised by these creatures and the incredible experience that we all got to share together. It was a truly unforgettable moment.

It would be pretty safe to say that my experience at SharkAdemy really was nothing short of phenomenal. Meeting people from across the UK (and beyond) with deep-rooted passion for the marine world was an opportunity to be relished. Here I was, building a whole new network of individuals that I will carry for the rest of my career journey, all the while building the kind of friendships that will be genuinely cherished. 

Since being a part of the SharkAdemy, new project ideas have been developed, collaborations now appear glistening on the horizon, and a whole new community of shark nerds has been born. I carry my experience of SharkAdemy with me every single day, whether it is through scientific communication in the form of my shark shows and workshops at the National Marine Aquarium, or through digital communications as I share my journey and stories online about the marine world and how remarkable it really all is. 

About the author:

My name is Lucy Luck (She/They) and I am a Marine Conservationist and Scientific Communicator based in the South West of England. I have worked in the marine sector for the past six years, ranging from coastal community engagement in Cornwall to campaigning across the UK.

My work focuses on promoting Ocean conservation actions and encouraging behaviour change to create an Ocean Literate society filled with marine citizens. In my spare time, you’ll find me along the coast, beach-combing for shoreline treasures, wild sea swimming all year round, and exploring the rocky shore.