Simon Hilbourne

Background

About Simon Hilbourne

I am a highly motivated and passionate marine conservationist and biologist. My passion for the ocean started through scuba diving. I followed this route through to PADI instructor level but always knew I wanted to study the marine world academically. Whilst at university, my interest turned toward large marine animals. I spent 3 months working with Whale Shark Mexico in La Paz, Mexico as part of my dissertation. Since graduating I have worked as a research assistant for a marine environmental consultancy firm as well as volunteering for whale shark and manta ray research NGOs. My current role as the Media & Communications Manager at the Manta Trust stems from four years of progression from a volunteer to the research officer in the Maldives to now running the digital communications of the whole charity. I still spend a few month every year in the field working as the lead research on the Maldives Oceanic Manta Project. I also guide Manta Expedition citizen science trips to numerous manta location around the world. Along side this, I have being pursuing my interest in photography and videography (particularly underwater) as a way to raise awareness and appreciation for the marine environment. I co-founded Scubography, a social media platform to share my underwater photos and marine conservation issues. Most recently, I have spearheaded a new campaign called Fish Free February which aims to raise awareness of the impacts fisheries are having on the oceans and promote a reduction in seafood consumption by asking people to not eat seafood throughout February, and only purchase sustainably sourced options (if any) there after.