Noemi Merz | Marine Biologist | Ocean Photographer & Filmmaker | Australia
Noemi is a marine biologist and ocean photographer and filmmaker originally from Germany, and is now currently based in Western Australia. Noemi hopes to create more projects about shark conservation in the future and I hope to create more documentaries about other currently ongoing conservation projects.
She is currently working on her master’s thesis, which focuses on understanding the drivers behind shark meat consumption and whether it displays a food-securing protein source among the domestic community of Sri Lanka.
Noemi is also currently working on another small documentary about the non-profit organisation she is collaborating with, focusing on shark conservation. After moving to the Ningaloo Reef, she hopes to improve her underwater photography/videography skills and use the footage as a tool to spread awareness about sharks.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
I started underwater photography when I was a teenager and shared important knowledge about marine conservation with friends and family by showing them my pictures. But I started my 'underwater/ocean' Instagram in 2022, where I exclusively share underwater photography.
Last year I also started with filmmaking and creating videos about the trade of elasmobranch species and their threats. My current focus of storytelling is on sharks and rays and the threats they are facing due to the global demand for their derivates. My first clip 'an early morning at Negombo' shows scenes from a fishery harbour in Sri Lanka.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I did a gap year after high school. Within this year I was working 4 months in the Philippines on a whale shark conservation project, which was the first time I got involved in marine biology. After I got back, I studied biology in Hamburg and did a semester abroad in Norway with a focus on marine biology.
Later on, I started my master’s in marine biology in Stockholm. Currently, I am working on my master’s thesis, which I am doing in a collaboration with a marine conservation non-profit organization in Sri Lanka. The focus of my study is the bycatch of elasmobranchs and understanding the drivers of domestic shark and ray consumption.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I started diving at the age of 12 and ever since I dedicated myself to the preservation of what I love the most. The joy the ocean gave me and keeps on giving me is what drives me. I want to give back, to all those underwater creatures that put a smile on my face so many times.
A couple of years ago I started to get more involved in shark conservation and my focus is to spread awareness about their vulnerability and how heavily they are exploited. I think what is most important to me is hope, especially not losing hope. Because we need to be hopeful in what we do and that's the key.
What/who currently inspires you?
There are so many people that inspire me on a daily basis. Most of them are either underwater photographers, conservationists or filmmakers.
A big idol of mine is Madison Stewart and project hiu in Indonesia. Following her journey inspired me to get involved in shark conservation and the threats of the global shark trade. Currently, I am also inspired by coworkers of mine in Sri Lanka, that inspired me to just put myself out there and give filmmaking a try.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
The mindset and awareness of people. Something I realized is that the problem nowadays isn't that people don't care about the environment, but rather are simply not aware.
So many times when I told people about all the threats the ocean is facing, I could genuinely see in their reaction that they care and would like to help preserve the environment.
So if I could change one thing, I would want people to be aware of their actions, their power to change things, their daily life impacts on the environment and how small changes are better than no changes.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
One of my favourite books (mainly because I am a shark geek) is 'Emperors of the Deep' by William McKeever, which shares a lot about shark biology and their threats. Another classic in the shark conservation scene that inspired me, is of course 'Shark water' by Rob Stewart.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to be able to create footage about the marine environment that touched and inspired people enough, to keep hope and keep on fighting for what is out in the ocean to preserve. I hope that more people out there will be able to witness the raw beauty of the ocean and everything that lives within it, I hope they will be able to feel the unconditional joy that I was privileged enough to feel so many times in my life already.
I hope I can share this feeling with people and make an impact in the way they care about the marine environment.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
Share your passion and don't hold yourself back. By sharing your stories and experiences you will give a voice to the voiceless creatures that we all care so much about. That is our power and as soon as we understand how powerful our voice is, we just need to share it. It will be so rewarding, once you realise you changed someone’s mindset or the way they care about the marine environment.
INSTAGRAM: @noeunderwater / @noemimrz
