Catherine Cushenan | Shark Ecologist | Freediver | Diver | Ocean Advocate | UK
Catherine Cushenan (Cat Sharks) is an English shark ecologist, freediving instructor, PADI divemaster, drone pilot, videographer and adventure explorer. She has worked across the globe, from Iceland to the Dominican Republic to French Polynesia and everywhere in between. This has included volunteering, marine research, working in eco-tourism and underwater or aerial videography roles.
Cat is also an SSI freediving instructor and her constant weight (CWT) record is 62m, with a static breath hold of 06:05. She officially started training in 2019- before this, Cat had five years of subconscious training, freediving to tag and photo ID sharks, mantas and whales around the world.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
All of my water-based memories are the happiest. I had wanted to be a mermaid for as long as I can remember but upon realising that might not work out, I took to the ocean to study sharks and whales, and the rest is history.
What are you doing in or around the ocean?
Scuba Diver, Freediver, Beach dweller, and Sailor.
What/who currently inspires you?
Naturally, I adore Sylvia Earle and Nadia Aly and the ‘obvious’ big names in the industry, but I also have many friends like @kaushman, @mads_ocean, @joshmunoz, @kelseywiliamson and so many more who create imagery that makes me want to travel and explore and conserve so much more.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I studied marine biology at uni, then continued on to do my master’s in shark ecology. For the past eight years, I’ve been travelling and working abroad with sharks, whales and manta rays across 18 countries, and this lifestyle quickly helped me develop a love for freediving and photography.
What do you value most in life?
My family, for supporting me on this wild adventure and inspiring me to work harder to make them proud.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Instinctively I would say I’d love to improve the health of our oceans, although I know this can only be done indirectly, so an improvement in climate policies would be most important overall.
What brings you the most joy?
Swimming with sharks. I could do that and nothing else for the rest of my life.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams?
To find people who are already in the field of their dreams and reach out for specific advice. There’s always someone who is happy to help you and that one gesture could change your whole life.
