Whale Lovers Series: A Conversation with Ellie Selley
Ever since I jumped into the cold leafy swimming pool in Plymouth on my open water course, I knew I wanted to one day become an instructor! The feeling of breathing underwater like a fish and being weightless in the ocean always felt so natural to me, it fit like a glove. It satiated my need to explore, adventuring through forests of kelp and playing with seals. I’ve been so fortunate to have spent most of my life with the ocean, and the experiences it’s given me only stirs my fire to protect it and all that live among it.
Whale Song
I was fortunate enough to swim with humpbacks in Australia. Seeing them underwater was pure magic, but even more than that (if there ever could be), to hear them— that was everything!! The sound waves vibrated through my entire body, and it moved me in such a way I’ll never forget it! They really are like Gods, these majestic humble beings, and we have so much to learn from them. When I was in Mexico, I went kayaking with my sister, and we had grey whales swimming next to us along the Baja California coast. To share these animals, I love so much with my sister Lizzie, and create these incredible unforgettable memories was so wonderful.
“One (whale) came up right behind my sister to breathe and she still lights up to this day when she talks about it. It’s a moment for these whales, but it’s everything to us.”
Memorable Marine Moments
Our first swim in the Galapagos was unforgettable. We were surrounded by baby sea lions, and it was memorable for me because, in scuba diving, with all our bubbles, it often scares off the marine life and you almost feel like an uninvited guest. But the sea lions gave us a solid invitation! They came over to play, mimicking our movements. I’d dive down, spin around with seaweed, and the pups would watch. I’d drop the seaweed, and they’d grab it with their mouths, repeating the same movements. They were nibbling on my sister’s fins and eating rocks to sink themselves—a welcomed insight into their lives and sense of play. It was so humbling. They surf the waves and enjoy it as much as we do, if not more. I see a lot of parallels with children—so pure and absorbing all of life’s joys. And to top it all off, a pod of orcas swam by further out to sea. Overwhelmed was an understatement.
Conservation from the Frontlines
It’s inspirational to me to hear the stories of all the efforts around the world of people fighting for our ocean. It’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. The coral and seagrass restoration efforts, protecting the ecosystems we still have, this is very important—to create more marine reserves and restore fishing stocks. In Baja California Sur, the government banned fishing for 10 years and gave out compensation to support the locals during this time so the fish could recover. Now they have plentiful fish, and diving and tourism has increased dramatically to support the local economy. It’s a small sacrifice we make now for the better of everyone in the future. We just need to focus on that and be less shortsighted and greedy. As a conservation officer, I was mostly focused on leading teams to gather research on reef health and build artificial reef structures. Unfortunately, the data shows an overall decline due to rising temperatures and ocean acidification. However, technology is improving at an exponential rate, and the more it focuses on protecting the ocean, the more progress will be made. For example, electrified reefs that allow reefs to grow faster through chemical reactions that help limestone build up, making the reef stronger!
The Role of Adventure in Conservation
Freediving connects me the most to nature, especially with marine animals. Diving in such a natural way, without all the bubbles and noisy gear, marine life comes to you and the encounters are unforgettable. My white-water kayaking has led me to see the problems with hydroelectricity and the catastrophic effects on the natural environments and the indigenous people who live among them. Our natural world is a precious thing, something that isn’t owned; it’s part of us, and we are part of it, if we open ourselves up to see that and connect with it. We need to take a step back from where we’ve reached as a species, because somewhere along the way too many of us have become disconnected from the oneness we share with everything around us. Go lay in some moss or wrap yourself in seaweed, and you’ll see what I mean.
Ethical Encounters
It’s important to do your research on the company to make sure they are ethical. Look for organic experiences where you can, companies that don’t go chasing the marine life. It’s always better if they come to you. Always remember to remain as an observer and have as little impact on the environment as you can. Question the actions of companies if you don’t think it’s right.
Projects You’re Passionate About
Sea Shepherd are policing the seas for illegal fishing and doing a fabulous job of holding these people accountable. There is so much trawling and pillaging of the ocean, and Sea Shepherd is out there stopping it.
Inspiring Future Ocean Lovers
Talk to as many ocean people as you can and get involved with every opportunity. Networking is the way to get where you want to go. Don’t give up! If you keep trying, an opportunity will come up. You just have to be determined to keep fighting for it. If it’s something you’re passionate about, the more you do towards achieving it, the more you’ll add fuel to your fire. One day, you’ll be dazzling so brightly, influencing others to join the fight for the ocean!
How We Can Help
At an individual level, I would say a huge impact would be to stop eating fish. In this crucial period where the ocean is being pillaged for its marine life, we must make wise choices and leave the fish life alone so it can recover for future generations. Spread the word—talk to people about it, get them to care about the ocean, and want to protect it too. Send out your ripples to affect as many as you can! You really do make such a difference!
