Path to Protect
Recently, scientists around the world have predicted a mass extinction of species which will occur in my lifetime. According to these predictions, between now and 2065, more species on Earth will become extinct than in the past 65 million years. If that is not something that stirs a motivation to change in most people's minds… I don't know what will.
One of the most important ecosystems we have on Earth is that of the marine ecosystem. In fact, with over 70% of our world being covered in water, we should really be saying 'Planet Ocean' instead of 'Planet Earth'.
One third of the air we breathe comes from the ocean… the conservation and
preservation of the precious and fragile ecosystems and the biodiversity that lives in the vast seas of the world is absolutely imperative to life on land. Quoting one of the most influential people in my life so far, Paul Watson (Founder of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society)- "If the oceans die… we die."
When I was very young, merely five years old and starting out in primary school, I developed a love for the oceans and the wildlife within. As this fascination grew, as did my knowledge and passion. When I was eight years old, I decided I would become a Marine Biologist specializing in marine mammals when I grew up…
Twelve years on, and I am currently in my third year of a marine biology degree, I originally wanted to study, establish myself as a marine scientist and spend my life gathering research on the oceans, however I have recently discovered that my life as a young adult would lead me to a different path- one of being a marine conservation activist.
After one year of my degree, I felt as though I needed to be 'out there', working with the ocean biodiversity I love. I was lucky enough to be accepted into a job on a little island on the Great Barrier Reef called Lady Elliot Island as a marine wildlife tour guide. This was the move that would change my life. I worked there for about eighteen months, and still return regularly…
“I decided that I had to become as active as I could, to give these animals a voice amongst
The amazing encounters with marine wildlife I have there only instill and re-affirm the motivation and passion I have to protect these beautiful animals.
It was on September 3rd, 2010 when I swum with a whale for the first time. I was leading a snorkeling tour, and two adult Humpback Whales came from nowhere to swim circles around our small group for over twenty minutes… It was an experience I will never forget. Seeing their understanding and awareness is just something that overwhelmed me- they really are intelligent beings in the ocean. How intelligent? I don't think humans will ever really know…
It was after this day that I decided that I had to become as active as I could, to give these animals a voice amongst humans, and most of all, a voice amongst the youth of the world. The thought that children in only a few decades time may never be able to encounter these creatures the way I did really sprung me to action.
humans, and most of all, a voice amongst the youth of the world!”
I decided in that moment that I would spend the next part of my life devoted to actively sending a message of marine conservation to teens and young adults all over the world. After all, it is their futures that will be potentially destroyed if businessmen, politicians etc continue in the way they are now.
B E
Nicole McLachlan
WARRIOR Whale
INSPIRATION
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