I feel fortunate that from a young age I had a rough idea of the career I wanted to pursue; marine biology. When choosing my A Levels, I selected subjects that aligned with university requirements for Marine Biology, including Biology, Geography, and Maths, while also keeping my options open with Environmental Science.

After receiving my results, I chose to study Marine Biology at Newcastle University. Before starting, I took a gap year in South Africa to complete my Ocean Yachtmaster qualification. While not directly linked to marine biology, my interest in sailing and boats complemented my future studies and work.

At university, I explored different areas of the subject and developed a particular interest in fisheries and conservation. This guided my dissertation topic on lobsters and led to a placement at a lobster hatchery, where I gained practical experience and valuable contacts, including with the local fisheries authority. During my summer breaks, I also worked as a skipper in the Mediterranean, further developing my skills at sea.

After graduating, I applied widely for jobs and reached out directly to organisations I admired. My first break came through a cold email to a fisheries consultancy, Marfisheco, where I worked freelance on tuna management plans for the Pacific Islands. Although working remote back at home, this experience deepened my understanding of fisheries policy and management.

My aunt and cousin are marine biologists who provided me with the idea that I could follow a career to do with the ocean. I also grew up fishing with my dad and that is properly were my initial interest in the ocean started.

Throughout my career I have always had a list of companies that I am really interested in. When I was doing my weekly check for jobs, I saw the post for Celtic Mist Marine Biologist and straight away applied by sending a cover letter and cv. A week later I was asked for an online interview and then the next week they offered me a job.

A typical day in my role is never quite the same, as it depends on weather, sea conditions, and the survey plan. Most mornings start with a quick breakfast and coffee before helping to prepare the boat to leave the dock or anchor, this can involve handling lines, checking equipment, and making sure everything is secure. I’ll then meet with the skipper to agree on the day’s plan, including the survey areas we want to cover.

Once we set off, I begin the survey work by starting up the computer and software that tracks our continuous GPS location. I also brief the crew, outline the day’s objectives, and organise them into a rotating watch system for spotting marine life. Whenever a sighting occurs, I’m notified immediately so I can record the details, take photographs of the species, and log the information accurately.

At the end of the day, once we’ve returned to dock or dropped anchor, I review all the photographs, cross-check them with my records, and ensure the data is stored properly. After that, the crew and I share a meal together onboard. Evenings are usually relaxed, often ending with a card game or a board game, before getting an early night ready to start again the following morning.

While the work can be demanding requiring focus, organisation, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions, the reward comes in the unique experiences at sea, contributing to meaningful conservation research, and the sense of camaraderie with the crew.

My main responsibility is to record all marine mammal sightings throughout the day and compile the data for submission to the Science Officer at the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. I also brief the crew each morning and organise the watch system to ensure effective survey coverage. In addition to data collection and coordination, I take photographs of sightings and carefully review and organise these each day to support accurate identification and reporting.

The most challenging aspect of the role is its intensity. Living and working on a full boat can be socially demanding, requiring constant energy and positivity, even in poor weather conditions. At sea, you also have to remain alert and ready to react quickly, as sightings often occur unexpectedly and require an immediate response.

What I enjoy most about my job is the unique opportunity to spend my days at sea, observing whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Sailing around the Irish coast has always been a dream of mine, so being able to do this as part of my work feels incredibly special. It’s a rare combination of science, adventure, and personal fulfilment that I really value.

It’s definitely an intense lifestyle, and adapting to living onboard can be tough at times. With no shower on the boat and often sharing a cabin, there’s very little privacy. The Irish coastline also brings its fair share of rough, unsettled seas, which can make for some uncomfortable days. Even then, it’s important to keep morale up and maintain the survey effort, even when conditions make it harder to stay positive. 

I bring a positive attitude to the boat, which I think is essential, especially when welcoming new crew. Helping them adjust to the quirks of life onboard and being able to laugh about the oddities (like minding your head or only using the kettle when docked), goes a long way in creating a supportive atmosphere.

I think it’s important to keep your options broad at school so you remain open to discovering different interests. At first, I didn’t particularly enjoy science, but after one lesson on fish, I realised I actually found it engaging because it connected with my hobbies. From there, my interests developed, from science to biology, then ecology, and eventually marine biology.

That said, I also learned that within any field there will be areas you enjoy more than others. For example, I find the chemistry side of marine biology more difficult to stay interested in, but I recognise its importance for understanding the bigger picture.

Looking back, I feel I chose my subjects well for my career path. The only subject I wish I had taken would be Photography. At the time, I didn’t realise how central it would become to my work, particularly in recording and analysing sightings. But hindsight is always clearer, and overall, I think my choices gave me a strong foundation for where I am now.

I went to boarding school in England and so had quite a unique education. I started in London at Harrow School where I did GCSEs and then A-Levels, which is sort of the English equivalent to the Leaving Cert.

For GCSE I took Spanish, English Lit, English Lat, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Religious Studies, History and Geography (with lots being compulsory).

For A-Levels I took Maths, Biology and Geography.

I think the key one is taking Biology and Geography at A-Level as you need to do at least two ‘science’ subjects to qualify to apply for the degree. At university is where I narrowed down my interests mainly into fisheries policy and conservation.

To-date my proudest achievements in my career are just being able to do a job that I truly love and am passionate about. I think it is very rare at my age but is something that is highly attainable.

The social skill that has helped me the most is my social skills. Being able to interact with everyone and anyone can be challenging sometimes but it is important to stay open-minded. It’s incredible the relationships you can form on board with people who initially you may have thought you had nothing in common with.

My dream job in the future would be combatting illegal fishing around the world. A job that helps people and the environment which involves travelling around the world while working. Currently, I do not see a job that gets much better than what I am doing now, it just would be nice to have a bit of time off every so often.

My job allows me to follow a lifestyle that a directly aligns with my hobbies and passions. Whilst it does not offer long term security it does provide progression in a field, I want to follow a long-term career in. I enjoy the social aspect of it hugely as I get to meet every week incredibly interesting people whose interests directly align with me.

For someone looking to do what I would do I think my biggest advice would be to make sure you are not recitable to sea sickness. Ensure that you are able to talk to anyone and everyone and get along with them in some shape or form. You must be patient, as weeks could go by with little to do or see. You must also be adaptable as each day is incredibly different and things can change by the hour.

Patience, Adaptability and Positivity. 

Currently, there are no extra courses I plan on taking at the moment. There are lots of interesting Masters/PHDs I could complete but I still feel like I would rather be in a job learning rather than undergoing more education.

Marine Biologist working with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.