The recent Ocean Advocates Summit was an inspiring gathering of diverse changemakers—marine biologists, activists, surfers, and entrepreneurs—united to protect our oceans. Through powerful discussions and innovative solutions, the event sparked collaborations tackling pollution and conservation challenges. This article explores key takeaways, offering valuable insights for conservationists ready to make a difference.
After riding the big wave of the Ocean Advocates Summit, we asked Bex, the event's founder a few q’s over a cup of tea on board ship.
(The ship bit isn’t true…just our fantasy location for this chat)
Bex, can you tell us a bit about yourself , your journey and what inspired you to become an ocean advocate?
My enthusiasm and love for the natural world began in my late twenties. Feeling frustrated and dissatisfied with my work and life, I decided I needed a change. That came in the form of big adventure! Despite having very little outdoor experience, I committed to taking a sabbatical and using the time to hike a 1000km trail in the Middle East, including crossing the vast (and beautiful!) Negev desert.
The experience completely changed my life in many ways. On a personal level, I left feeling more confident and sure of who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I’d also developed a deep love for nature and a need to protect it. At the end of the hike, I decided to try scuba diving and my first PADI course as I had a week in a beachside resort. I’d always been drawn to the ocean, but being in the water and seeing the marine life up close completely shifted something for me. From that point, I knew that inspiring people to connect to nature through adventure and care for our oceans would be my mission in life!
High fives for that! So what was the first step into action for you?
Soon after I launched the non-profit 'Love Her Wild', the UK’s largest women’s adventure community. After running that for 7 years, it was time to pass on the reigns to a new director, which has freed me up to launch (along with my my co-partner Catherine Edsell) Ocean Advocate - a non-profit dedicated to inspiring people to take action for our ocean.
We loved seeing how you managed to bring so many inspirational people and projects together at the Ocean Advocates Summit in Bristol. What’s the most rewarding part of the work you do?
I think there’s something really powerful about combining your skills and passion with doing good. It gives me a huge sense of purpose and that makes me feel like the luckiest person as there really is nothing else I’d want to be doing with my life.
"...all the ocean issues point back to meeting humans' unrealistic demands."
From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges facing our oceans today?
I think consumerism is probably the biggest - all the ocean issues point back to meeting humans' unrealistic demands. People want more ’stuff’, to eat more fish, fly more, live in bigger houses, etc. That’s why I’m a big believer in trying to encourage people to strip back to basics and step away from materialism. Try to buy less, and only from sustainable brands. Be more concious about how you travel. If you have the luxury to stop eating fish, this is a great thing you can do for an ocean being stripped with overfishing.
Ahhhhhhhhhh * preach *
Tell us how you see plastic pollution impacting marine life and coastal communities?
Plastic pollution is a huge issue, and I’ve seen the damage first-hand - the worst was a whale shark entangled in ghost netting. We need to stop using virgin plastic - so we don’t keep adding to the problem. And look for ways for how we can start removing damaging plastics from our ocean. Ecotribo are leading with this approach!
*blush * That is generous of you. We are simply doing what we can. We've been bootstrapping it from the start and hope to increase our impact this year. We love your message of encouraging action. Many people feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. What would you say to those who want to help but don’t know where to start?
It's hugely overwhelming! There’s a fine line between knowing enough about the issues at hand to take action and realising we must all act fast and not tipping into feeling completely depressed and downbeat about the situation. I feel like I know more than enough to keep me motivated for the rest of my days, so I try not to fixate on global issues, as this just drags me into a slump. Instead, I look at my physical world around me, my community and my skills - and I focus on what positive difference I can make in my own small world.
Can you share a recent project or campaign you’ve been working on and its impact?
The biggest thing I’ve been working on is the Ocean Advocate Summit. We launched our first one in February and it was a huge success - with exhibitors, speakers and workshops delivered by ocean advocates from across the UK and from all walks of life.
We will be launching dates for the 2026 event soon and plan to run an Ocean Advocate Academy alongside this: an immersive resedential adventure that will combine hands-on conservation, upskilling, conservation education and ocean connection to springboard ocean enthusiasts who show potential in becoming advocates.
Details will be released on our website soon: https://ocean-advocate.org/
How do you collaborate with other organizations, brands, or communities to drive change?
I'm a big believer in collaboration, and I don’t think we do enough of it. Not only is collaboration a more effective way to work, as we can achieve more with less effort and resources, but it’s also great for fostering positivity and togetherness.
In recent years, I’ve tried to challenge my thinking when it comes to who I collaborate with. Previously, I’ve turned down work or talking opportunities because they were with brands that were doing ‘bad’ things. But I’ve come to realise that this is black and white thinking. Alienating organisations is only going to slow down progress, and getting in front of these brands and opening conversations is a way that we could foster real change.
Oooh yes, we hear that! What role do you think businesses should play in protecting our oceans?
While consumers play a big role in ocean conservation, the reality is that a lot of people don’t really know what goes on behind-the-scenes. It’s hard to see through greenwashing and to understand the full process of production and the areas that might be damaging our planet.
Ecotribo is an amazing example of a business that cares and is making all the right steps in ensuring that they leave the world in a better place then they found it. Showing that you can produce beautiful, long lasting and helpful products in a sustainable way.
If anyone is ever in doubt of if they can trust a company, a good place to start is to see if they are a Certified B Corporation!
The ocean can seem a distant, mysterious place to much of humanity... do you see a way of changing that perception?
I just wish more people could switch off from their daily grind, get away from screens and get in, on or under the ocean. It doesn’t take long to start building that ocean connection, and when we do, the need to protect it will follow quickly.
What gives you hope for the future of our oceans?
I choose to think positively about the future. History has shown us that change can happen fast. While there’s a lot to feel worried and angry about in the world, I still believe that most people are good and that more people are working for environmental protection than ever before!
Bex, it's been really enriching to chat with you. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to seeing what 'Ocean Advocates' events inspire next!
Find Bex here:
My website: https://www.theordinaryadventurer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bex_band/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BexBand/
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