The Ocean

Ocean Hero: Brad Norman

Photo: Brad Norman swimming with a whale shark

Photograph copyright Kurt Amsler/RolexAwards

Name: Brad Norman
Place of Birth: Perth, Western Australia
Current Home: Perth, Western Australia
Occupation: Conservation biologist

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An adventurer

How did you get started in your field?
Volunteering for a friend who was studying fish at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. I got excited about the virtual pristine nature of the reef—and especially its mysterious inhabitants, whale sharks.

What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day centers around hard work and a need to be very focused (on whale sharks). There's a lot of research, plenty of education and community outreach, and (ultimately) continual efforts toward whale shark conservation. I often have extended field trips and  at these times, the ocean is my office.

What inspires you to dedicate your life to the ocean?
It's such an fantastic environment, filled with amazing and interesting creatures. I love to go diving. Sometimes I'll stay focused on an area no greater than one meter by one meter for 30 minutes, just looking at the tiny animals that inhabit and interact with the reef. Other times, I'll swim with schools of so many different types of fish. And then there's the whale shark—a truly majestic creature to see in its natural environment.

To borrow a phrase from another National Geographic explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle, the ocean is the "world bank" and the life support system of our planet. We can't survive without it. I fully subscribe to this belief. We owe it to future generations—and to those that came before us—to ensure we respect and protect this wonderful underwater world.

What has been your favorite experience in the field?
Apart from the obvious—swimming with a powerful yet graceful creature on a daily basis (during whale shark season)—there was a time a few years ago where I had the opportunity to swim (by myself) only a few meters above a tiger shark. This was in the shallow lagoon of Ningaloo Reef, an experience that lasted for probably 20 minutes. Amazing!

Do you have a hero?
I have a great respect for Sir David Attenborough. A brilliant man and one that has brought the wonder of nature to so many people throughout the world.

If you could have people do one thing to help  the ocean, what would it be?
Consider it like your own home and respect and protect it. It is a living organism.

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