“Unsustainable fishing is the biggest threat to the ocean - worldwide. And it's happening now. I believe we can make a difference by connecting people with sustainable seafood, why it’s important and how we do it. If we bridge that gap, give people a solution that lets them take action in their everyday choices, give them something tangible, I believe it will make a big impact.”
Habitat
I feel most at home on the Surf Coast, where I live—diving along the Great Southern Reef, working from my boat-home whenever possible, and exploring both nearby spots and far-off places!
Habits
Shannon is a dedicated marine conservationist whose deep passion for the ocean has been a guiding force throughout her life.
Shannon’s superpower is her ability to connect with people from diverse and even opposing perspectives.
Her empathy bridges gaps and fosters collaboration among conservationists, recreational fishers, and commercial fishers, working towards common goals of sustainability and protecting the ocean for future generations.
Her journey into marine conservation began in earnest when her mother gifted her a scuba diving course. This life-changing opportunity allowed Shannon to witness the breathtaking beauty and diversity of marine life firsthand, deepening her commitment to protecting these underwater ecosystems.
Her academic pursuits further solidified her passion; studying animal and veterinary bioscience at university, she focused on marine subjects, gaining a comprehensive understanding of marine life and its interconnected systems.
Shannon’s early career was volunteering with the Australian Marine Conservation Society, where she championed sustainable seafood practices, raising awareness about the detrimental impacts of unsustainable fishing on marine ecosystems.
Her advocacy extended to working on crucial initiatives to protect the Great Barrier Reef, where she gained invaluable insights into the multifaceted threats facing the ocean.
Today, Shannon balances her role with the Victorian National Parks Association, where she actively engages in marine conservation efforts, with her passion for helping women foster a deep connection to the oceans through The Salty Tribe.
With over a decade of experience as a snorkel and dive instructor, educator, and conservationist; people she has guided praise her knack for creating a safe and comfortable environment for them to explore the ocean. She believes that by cultivating an emotional connection with the ocean, individuals are more likely to protect it in their everyday lives.
Honours
La Trobe University – Bachelor of Animal & Veterinary Biosciences, Environmental Science
Fighting for our Reef at the World Heritage Committee Meeting, (Poland, 2017)
