Zara Ellis

What inspired you to work for Gili Shark Conservation?

The Gili Shark Conservation project is an amazing organization with a wonderful team of hard working ocean lovers who dedicate their lives to protecting marine life through research and education.

Having the opportunity to work alongside such an incredible group of people was one I simply could not turn down. Since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of calling the ocean my office. I am delighted to have surpassed this goal as the ocean does not just feel like my office, but my world.

Having the opportunity to work alongside such an incredible group of people was one I simply could not turn down.

Zara Ellis — Coral transplantation at Restoration site

Describe a typical day at work.

Typically I start the day early, preparing the SCUBA gear and planning the research methods and dive sites for the day. Once everything is in order, we have breakfast and feel fueled and ready to jump on the boat to take off for two magical dives.

Normally, I am teaching either the AWARE Shark Conservation diver course, PADI Scientific diver course, or helping to mentor and train a divemaster candidate during research dives. We normally complete one dive, then have a minimum surface interval of one hour where we chat about the dives and relax on the boat, before gearing up for dive two.

After the dives, we head back to the dive center where we rinse our gear and debrief before heading for lunch. In the afternoon, we reunite and spend the rest of the day inputting the data we collected during the dives. We also have workshops that introduce the team to new methods that will be used in the following days, and organize community events that help to promote a plastic free paradise.

Why do you do what you do?

The ocean is fighting for its life, and it is our responsibility to take actions that can help to protect it. The Earth is mostly ocean, and yet we still know so little about this magical place. The ocean is estimated to inhabit more than one million species, and it’s a place that provides up to 80% of the oxygen that we breathe.

It’s a place that plays host to one of the world's most important ecosystems, and yet each year this incredible place becomes more and more threatened by local and global pressures. Pressures that can almost always be traced back to mankind. I try to do my job of educating others about environmental issues, with the hope that if each of us makes even a small change to help to protect the ocean, that we can make a greater difference all together.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is meeting like minded ocean lovers and shark advocates, and having the pleasure of diving with a great team of researchers everyday.

What makes your organization special?

The Gili Shark Conservation project is special for many different reasons. One reason being that it is based in a truly special location: Gili Air. Gili Air is a beautiful paradise island in Lombok, Indonesia, but I think the most special thing is the incredibly driven research team and ever expanding sharkie family.

Participants quickly become a part of this loving family and network of shark warriors from around the globe. Many participants come alone, feeling quite vulnerable and scared. However, within just a few days they realize that they have now found a second home where they will forever be welcomed with open arms.

What hopes do you have for the future for Gili Shark Conservation?

I hope that in the future we will have the opportunity to expand our coral restoration site and have great success in this area. It is such a rewarding feeling to see an area that was negatively impacted by local and global pressures being revived back to life again.

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

I hope that participants leave the project feeling like they have not only gained a world of knowledge about marine research and conservation, but feel like confident, competent research assistants with improved scuba diving skills. I hope that their experiences have prepared them to bring their new research skills elsewhere, and that they have also found a second home here with us where they can always return to.

How do you help support participants?

I do everything I can to help and support the participants of Gili Shark Conservation prior to their arrival, while they are here, and also when they leave. I always do my best to give as much support as I can to each individual: by organizing transportation to the island, answering any queries they may have, mentoring each individual to become research assistants, and writing reference letters for people once they leave for school and job applications.

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

The world is such a huge place with so many new exciting destinations to discover and explore. Prior to coming to Gili Air, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to more than 50 countries. I can honestly say that the adventures I have had, have made me who I am today, have allowed me to appreciate different cultures, and have a greater understanding of the diversity across the planet.

I know it may seem a little scary at first. Especially when you start travelling for the first time, or on your own. But, the people you meet along the way and the wonderful sights you will see, will very quickly ease your initial anxiety, and allow you to indulge yourself on a magical journey.

Why do you think learning a new language is important?

Learning languages has never been my strong point, in fact I have tried many times to learn French and always find myself stuck on the basics. However, Indonesian is a rather easy language to learn and understand. In fact it is arguably the easiest language there is and the local people appreciate it so much when you make the effort to say even just a few words in their language.

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

I know it may seem a bit scary at first, as that flight confirmation button can be really daunting and you may find yourself clicking refresh over and over again. But let's face it, you already were curious enough to search for flights, and you already spent time imagining what it would be like to be in a tropical paradise.

So what are you waiting for? Life is too short to waste your time clicking refresh, allow yourself to experience things that you have only spent time dreaming of before, the power is at your fingertips.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel is having the opportunity to take part in something that really matters, like dedicating time to marine research, participating in reef clean up dives, or conducting beach clean ups.