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Meet our Volunteers - National Volunteer Week 2022

Sunday, 15 May, 2022

This week is National Volunteer Week and we're celebrating all of the incredible volunteers that make up the Sea Shepherd movement! 

 

Meet some of our dedicated and passionate team below. 

"I volunteer for for Sea Shepherd because it gives me the opportunity to give back to the planet and to make a difference. "

- Hayley Mulligan, Gold Coast Volunteer

Why do you volunteer for Sea Shepherd?

I volunteer for for Sea Shepherd because it gives me the opportunity to give back to the planet and to make a difference. 

What's most important to you about ocean conservation? 

The most important thing to me about ocean conservation is definitely the constant reminder of how vital our ocean is to our survival and the fact that Sea Shepherd is all about direct action as well, that’s really important to me!

What do you find most rewarding about being with Sea Shepherd and why? The most rewarding part for me about volunteering is definitely all of the people that you meet; all of the likeminded people. I’ve made lifelong friends through Sea Shepherd over the years.

"For us, it’s an honour and a privilege to fly the Sea Shepherd flag!"

- Charles & Julie, Tasmania Volunteers

Why do you volunteer for Sea Shepherd? 

We are both members of the Sea Shepherd Tasmania chapter, based in Hobart. We volunteer with Sea Shepherd because it’s important for us to volunteer with other likeminded people, particularly to protect the marine environment.

What's most important to you about ocean conservation? 

We’re sailing most weekends – to us it’s really important to educate others, especially about microplastics, marine debris and making sure that the ocean is protected for future generations.

What do you find most rewarding about being with Sea Shepherd and why? 

For us, it’s an honour and a privilege to fly the Sea Shepherd flag!

"The ocean is life."

- Jim Napier, South-east Queensland Marine Debris Volunteer

Why do you volunteer for Sea Shepherd? 

I am a Sea Shepherd volunteer in the Gold Coast chapter. I am also a member of the Marine Debris Team in South-east Queensland. I volunteer for Sea Shepherd because of my love of the ocean, and also to be part of an organisation that cares for it and is focused on its protection. 

What's most important to you about ocean conservation? 

The most rewarding part of volunteering is that I am part of a team of like-minded people who are making a difference. Volunteering for the Marine Debris crew has demonstrated that many things can be achieved by hard work and commitment. 

What do you find most rewarding about being with Sea Shepherd and why? 

The most important thing for me about ocean conservation is that the ocean is life. The protection of endangered and vulnerable species, this is a must. Highlighting the unsustainable activities, such as over fishing and waste disposal.

 

"If you are considering joining, then follow your heart if the sea is calling you!"

- Tammy Omodei, Deckhand & Onshore Volunteer

Why do you volunteer for Sea Shepherd?

I volunteer with Sea Shepherd because the time that I spend volunteering makes me feel empowered and I can see that our impact is effective and creates long-term changes. I got involved after seeing a couple of documentaries and what Sea Shepherd achieves through their different tactics. I wanted to spend my time being actively involved with marine conservation; to live my purpose.

What do you find most rewarding about being with Sea Shepherd and why? 

The overall energy I feel when I'm onboard, working and living alongside amazing crew who are also so dedicated to the cause. And although I find some days difficult, we all motivate each other to continue what we are doing for something that is so much bigger than ourselves. And I really feel the impact of what a group of passionate people can achieve together.

Being part of Sea Shepherd means being part of an organisation with integrity, because our actions are aligned with our values. It is important to me that our ships are vegan as we are fighting for conserving and protecting ocean ecosystems and it's wildlife, and by eating plant-based we are lessening our impact on the ocean and the planet compared to consuming animal products.

What is your role onboard the ship & what does an average day look like? 

I am a deckhand which involves a lot of training! We train as a team to be ready for when we need to react fast. The deck team also does some daily maintenance and housekeeping around the ship, from painting to cleaning. I learnt to use many different tools and of course we are sometimes interrupted to watch the beautiful wildlife we have the privilege to see.

What would you say to someone interested in joining Sea Shepherd's crew? 

If you are considering joining, then follow your heart if the sea is calling you!

"I love to be able to get out and do my bit for the Ocean."

- Carmel Fox, Melbourne Volunteer

Why do you volunteer for Sea Shepherd? 

I volunteer for Sea Shepherd because Sea Shepherd do such amazing work. I love to be able to get out and do my bit for the Ocean. And being able to be a part of Sea Shepherd is even better.

What's most important to you about ocean conservation? 

The most important thing for me about ocean conservation is keeping marine life safe. Every single species that live in the ocean are so important for a healthy ocean. And that means a healthy planet.

What do you find most rewarding about being with Sea Shepherd and why? 

The most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing what we have achieved at the end of a beach clean and the amount of debris we know will never make it’s way into the Ocean. I also love working on the stalls. As I know every cent we make goes to help the campaigns.

Take a look at some more of our fantastic volunteers that are working to defend, conserve and protect the ocean:

Volunteers from Sea Shepherd's Marine Debris Campaign remove a large rope from Mulgumpin/Moreton Island in Queensland.
Perth volunteers running an outreach stall.
Volunteers from Sea Shepherd's Apex Harmony campaign bringing transparency to Queensland's shark culling program.
Sea Shepherd volunteers in Darwin.
Sea Shepherd volunteers and members of the public during a beach clean-up in Adelaide.
Volunteers removing discarded fishing nets from the Cocos Keeling Islands.
Sea Shepherd Melbourne volunteers.
Byron Bay volunteers at a market stall.
Some of the Bridge team on the M/Y Age of Union.
Sydney Volunteers at the Sydney Vegan Market.
Sea Shepherd Tasmania volunteers conducting a marine debris clean-up.
Volunteers in Townsville, Queensland.
Volunteers in Newcastle taking action to #FightForTheBight.
Some of Exmouth in Western Australia's colourful volunteers.

Interesting in joining the Sea Shepherd movement? Discover ways to get involved.

 

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