Alice Cimino | OceanKin Conservation
Fighting for Sharks & Vulnerable Marine Species Through Education & Action
Alice’s passion for sharks began at a young age when her father gave her a book on the magnificent great white shark. Originally from Wales, U.K, Alice is now a biologist, shark advocate, naturalist and diver living in the UK and soon to be studying Marine Science at Swansea university.
After becoming aware of the horrific realities that sharks and the oceans are facing, she decided to channel her passion to create change & give a voice to those that need it most. On her first trip to witness the Indian Ocean Alice was alarmed by the sheer lack of marine megafauna, it was then she created OceanKin Conservation, a platform aiming to spread awareness & provide education.
OceanKin Conservation
OceanKin's mission is to spread awareness & provide education to those unaware of the sad realities our oceans and sharks are faced with.
Right now Alice’s main focus is her current project - Urging Amazon to ban the sale of shark products online
“Over 100 million sharks die every year at the hands of humans, this problem directly relates to the sale of shark souvenirs such as jaws, teeth and shark pups in bottles. Many being endangered species such as the Mako shark and Spiny dogfish shark.
Amazon is one of the worlds largest providers of goods and by allowing the sale of shark souvenirs they are sending the wrong message.
Shark populations have declined by 70% in just 60 years, we need to do everything in our power to protect these vital animals before the ocean’s ecosystems collapse.
Please, join the mission and urge Jeff Bezos to ban the sale of shark souvenirs on Amazon.”
“Amazon is a global company that supports many charities and conservation groups such as WWF and Ocean Conservancy. However, they allow the sale of shark products on their U.S.A platform from vulnerable and endangered species such as the Spiny dogfish shark and Mako shark. These items range from shark pups in bottles, Mako teeth and Mako jaws to supplements created with chondroitin aka shark cartilage.
Amazon professes to be a company with good morals that supports sustainable living in order to aid our planet. Allowing the sale of these shark-based products not only send the wrong message, it directly goes against the ethics they claim they have. Sharks are at a critical point, with populations having declined by 70% over the past 60 years. If we don’t stand up for this vital group of species, our oceans ecosystems will collapse.
Please add your name to the petition in order to show your support for our mission, encourage Amazon to BAN shark products and in turn, protect the oceans that are so important to the overall health of the planet.” - OceanKin Conservation
We asked Alice a few questions and here’s what she had to say…
What is a typical day like for you?
When I am not studying for my Marine Science degree, I am often doing work surrounding my conservation project, OceanKin. OceanKin focuses on the protection of sharks through raising awareness, education and taking on projects. OceanKin's current project is to ban the sale of shark products on the global platform, Amazon. When I am not busy performing all these tasks, I can often be found in or near the ocean.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I grew up spending my summers in Pembrokeshire on the coast. My father loved the water and diving, in turn, I believe that made a large impact on my love of the ocean and its inhabitants. My deep love of sharks also began at a young age when my parents bought me a book about white sharks for my 9th birthday. My passion has always been strong, but it wasn't until a few years ago after going through a traumatic event that I realised I wanted to dedicate my entire life to the protection of the oceans and sharks.
When did you first pick up a camera and shooting underwater?
I am very much an amateur photographer, but I plan on delving deeper into underwater photography alongside my studies, especially with living off the coast of the Atlantic.
What/who currently inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is the ocean and those who are dedicating their lives in order to save it. I also find inspiration within nature itself, there is so much to explore and discover, that deeply inspires me.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
For many years I was actually an actor, and it wasn't until I really look deep within myself I realised it wasn't the right path for me. Since going back to school to study Marine Biology and founding my conservation project, I finally feel I have discovered my true path in life.
What do you value most in life?
Freedom. I feel it is something so many people take for granted, especially in the Western world. I feel so grateful to be able to have so many choices in my day to day life.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
How people view sharks and how people treat the oceans. I would like to leave this life knowing that sharks are protected and our oceans are respected. It may be a long road ahead, but I have faith that as a collective we have the ability to create a positive impact.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
Shark Biology & Conservation by Daniel.C Abel & R. Dean Grubbs is a book I take with me everywhere. It's an incredible book for anyone and everyone who wants a deeper understanding of sharks, their biology and why protecting them is important.
What brings you the most joy?
Other than being under the waves, I get a lot of joy from seeing people create change and standing up for what they believe in. We are more powerful than we think and harnessed in the correct way have the ability to do great things in order to protect this planet.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
One that uses kindness to educate people regarding the oceans. If I can change a handful of peoples minds to shift from fear to respect in regard to sharks, I will be happy.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Listen to your deepest self and believe in yourself so much that no one has the ability to knock you down.
