Maryke, a self-confessed fish-nerd, grew up with the ambition of being a dolphin. When that did not quite work out, she managed to obtain science degrees in various fields including marine biology, medical physiology, ichthyology and fisheries science, psychology and neurology. She has worked in the marine science field for the past 26 years, from aquariology, to research to sustainable production and governance, and has presented at many conferences locally and internationally.

Maryke is also a Master Carbon Analyst and believes if all companies are aware of, and sensitive to their carbon emissions, and work towards being carbon neutral, our planet will be a much healthier environment for all. She is a true ‘Turtlelologist’ and was instrumental in formalizing a very successful Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehab and Release programme in Cape Town, South Africa. Maryke has thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated assisting the Roxy Davis Foundation as one of the head volunteers with adaptive surf coaching, as well as the Sentinel Ocean Alliance with developing and facilitating long-term environmental education activities at its outreach surf club. Maryke has been the go-to info hub on all things ocean and conservation in South Africa and was a familiar voice and face on radio and TV.

She has adventured with her amazing Sealand gear all over the world, from Antarctica to Japan, New York to Namibia with Canada and Europe thrown in the mix too, sharing ocean impact stories along the way. She has recently made the move to the aptly named province of Zeeland in the Netherlands where she continues to pursue real sustainable food production.

Maryke has two very cool daughters, Finn and Kai, who both love the ocean but studying to become medical doctors. As a family we would like to save people and the environment.

What makes you YOU in one sentence?
Ocean passionate and optimistic about doing good and connecting all people to nature, through wonderful stories and a big smile of course.

How will your outlook on life improve the world?
My enthusiastic, passionate and quite often overly positive nature finds opportunities, new paths and connections to inspire communities to care about the sea and land, to change behaviours and make a positive impact. Together, with good attitudes, kindness and determination, we can achieve so much more.

Links:
Facebook: @marykemusson
Instagram: @maryke.musson
LinkedIn: marykemusson