Dan Abbott | Media Manager for NGO | Mallorca
As Media Manager for NGO, Save The Med, most of Dan’s days involve diving & filming the marine life around the Mediterranean Sea, editing short stories for social media, and working with scientists to film various projects for marine protection, including Spinetail devil rays, Bluefin tuna, Groupers, Dolphins & Sperm whales.
Chasing transient moments of co-existence between himself and the underwater world, Dan prides himself in being committed to telling the stories of the sea, whilst always remembering he is only a guest in the deep blue.
When did you first pick up a camera and start shooting underwater?
My first camera was a Gopro (like most people!), my first underwater subject was great white sharks. After a few years of Gopro I took the plunge and upgraded my setup, 1 month before being involved in shooting a feature film about the shark nets in South Africa. A learning curve!
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Growing up, my main exposure to the marine world came through documentaries & books. I saw my first shark when I was 26, which was a great white in South Africa. Pretty much from that day on my life changed, and my focus and priorities shifted.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I did a 3 year media production course which got me nowhere, then a few years of random jobs, then I worked as a self employed drummer for about 11 years.
What do you value most in life?
Those fleeting moments when marine life acknowledges and accepts you.
What brings you the most joy?
Capturing incredible marine life in slow motion, in perfect framing & focus :)
Who/what currently inspires you?
A few places, sometimes hearing a piece of music that I can see working well as part of a video, sometimes seeing someone else's work and seeing whats possible. Usually it's spending time with likeminded people and the power of collaboration.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
The overfishing of our seas & oceans.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
Shark Shocker with Ron & Valerie Taylor (1997)
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Someone committed to telling underwater stories without getting in the way.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Start being around people who think the same as you, and ask questions, ask for help, be a good friend to people. Learn as much as you can from the people who inspire you. Find way to be able to offer value to people already in the places you want to be.
WEBSITE: www.danabbott.uk
INSTAGRAM: @sharkman_dan
