The Ocean

Ocean Hero: Brian Skerry

Photo: Brian Skerry

Photograph by Mauricio Handler

Name: Brian Skerry
Place of birth: Milford, Massachusetts
Current city: Uxbridge, Massachusetts
Occupation: Wildlife photojournalist and regular contributor to National Geographic magazine

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

How did you get started in your field of work?
I was a diver first, then in my later teens I realized the potential of being an explorer of the oceans and a storyteller as a photographer.

What is a typical day like for you?
Field days typically start early and end late, often at least 18 hours of work. When not in the field I am researching and meeting with people to stay on top of issues and new stories on which I am working.

What do you like best about your job?
I love the creative process - the ability to interpret nature photographically and share stories with people about what I have seen.

What has been your favorite experience in the field?
I have truly had countless wonderful animal experiences, but the one that really stands out was encounters with Southern Right Whales in the sub-Antarctic. This was a newly discovered population of whales that had never seen humans before. Far away from civilization, alone in the cold sea, I swam with friendly and curious whales. These animals were 45-feet in length and weighed 70-tons, as big as a city bus, and they chose to let me into their world. Amazing.

Do you have a hero?
I honestly have many heroes, from all walks of life. I was inspired by NGM photographer Luis Marden who was a true pioneer and larger than life adventurer. I am inspired by Sylvia Earle for her dedication to marine conservation and for her eloquent plea to conserve. And I am inspired and find heroes every day, folks that are not famous, but in the course of their daily lives strive to do good for their families and for the planet.

If you could have people do one thing to help save the ocean, what would it be?
I would have people take ownership of the ocean, for it does not belong to any one person or any one group of people - it belongs to everyone. Regardless of where you live, the ocean is vital to your life and by taking ownership I believe people will begin to care care and protect what they own and pass this stewardship on to future generations.

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