INKA CRESSWELL
FILMMAKER I MARINE BIOLOGIST I PHOTOGRAPHER
DECEMBER 2023
FIVE WOMEN DEFENDING THE OCEAN
Ocean conservation has never been more important, and these women are making sure we all have a place in protecting the big blue.
Maybe you don’t live near a coastline. Or perhaps your love of water puts you in near-mermaid status. (Or thanks to dive certification body PADI, actual mermaid status.) Either way, it’s difficult to ignore that three-quarters of the planet is covered by ocean water, and only 10 percent of that has even been mapped. That’s an enormous ecosystem that impacts our world in ways we’re still coming to understand.
But that process doesn’t have to resemble a dry high school biology class! Protection and pleasure are intertwined. We’re only motivated to care for the things we understand, and while diving, snorkeling, or even just watching a compelling film can be enjoyable, it’s a gateway to something bigger. Which is why this month we’re getting to know five women whose careers are intimately tied to the ocean. While their stories are as impressive as their Instagrams, they highlight that when it comes to ocean conservation, we’re all in it together — literally.
INKA CRESSWELL
FILMMAKER I MARINE BIOLOGIST I PHOTOGRAPHER
NOVEMBER 2023
UNVEILING THE ABYSS: NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF DEEP-SEA MINING, CLIMATE SOLUTIONS AND THE UNKNOWN
Hidden in inky black depths under immense crushing pressure, there is a world that exists out of site. It’s Earth’s final frontier of exploration. A realm where ocean oddities thrive, translucent bodies are the norm and creatures can live for a 1000+ years. The Deep. This mysterious but alluring world is home to a treasure trove of life, countless species waiting to be discovered.
Yet, amidst these bewildering creatures, a threat looms - It’s understudied, and threatens irreversible damage but it’s not a mythical seamonster or legendary beast but in fact something far more real. The threat of Deep Sea mining.
AUGUST 2023
DIVING INTO MARINE CONSERVATION WITH INKA CRESSWELL
Hidden by the surface, our oceans are a place of mystery and beauty. For those willing to dive into the unknown, Mother Nature provides a world of wonder; you can hover effortlessly among the twinkling bioluminescence, count the constellations on a whale shark's back, and dance in the current to the songs of great whales. Our great oceans, however, aren’t only a trepid explorer's ultimate playground - they are our lifeline....
Our oceans support an abundance of diverse life and provide us with essential ecosystem services; every breath we take is filled with oxygen created by phytoplankton in our oceans, our reefs and kelp forests create natural storm barriers safeguarding our coastlines, and even whales act as carbon pumps helping us to fight climate change. Despite just how connected our lives are to the ocean, these valuable ecosystems are under threat.
WOMEN AND WATER
I am so honoured to be featured in this book with so many incredible women.
Women and Water tells stories of women and their relationship with water, offering a fresh perspective, a different mode of travel, or another dimension of “home” to discover.
But this book is about so much more than just what we do in the water. It’s also about the connection and healing it helps us channel and the importance of protecting it for years to come.
In showcasing women in various stages of their water journeys, we hope to inspire readers to consider all the ways they can dive in and deepen their relationship with waterways near and far.
This beautiful book was created by the wonderful team at She Explores. She Explores is a website, podcast, book, and community that celebrates curiosity in the outdoors—where the stories, creativity, learning, and connection that nature inspires are shared. She Explores is committed to creating a space where others’ voices are amplified, expression is encouraged, and the connection is fostered.
MARCH 2023
MARCH 2023
for the Love of the Sea II
Once again championing Britain’s farming and fishing communities, award- winner Jenny Jefferies returns with her latest compilation, For the Love of the Sea II. Following the course of its predecessor, which won the Guild of Food Writers Award for Best Self-Published Work in 2022, this sequel – which has been endorsed by Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw – celebrates Britain’s cornucopian coastline through the people, produce, and practices that define it. Readers can discover stories and recipes from 40 contributors, from fishmongers to foragers and basket weavers to marine scientists.Alongside food and its provenance, a central theme of this book is advocacy for sustainability and education. Author Jenny Jefferies will be donating 10% of her net profits from the sales of her latest release to The Food Teachers Centre
WOMEN 4 OCEANS
THE OCEAN AND US
The Ocean and Us provides an overview of our contemporary understanding of the ocean and all the ways our lives interact with it. It is intended for everyone with an interest in our blue planet. The book brings together the expertise of over 35 ocean specialists from around the world. It explores a wide variety of themes including the importance of a healthy ocean in the fight to halt and contain climate change. It covers issues such as overfishing and pollution, as well as emerging themes such as the blue economy, marine animal welfare and how we can leverage innovation to protect the ocean. The book provides an overview of some of the world’s iconic threatened and at risk ocean ecosystems, and outlines current governance structures and ocean management tools. It also discusses the important social dimensions between people and the ocean, such as ocean and human wellbeing, communities and the ocean, and who gets to participate in the ocean space. The book aims to enhance ocean literacy by making specialist concepts accessible to non-experts, with a view to empowering concerned citizens everywhere to come into action for the ocean, and pave a better way forward for humanity.
MARCH 2023
JUNE 2022
6 WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT OCEAN WILDLIFE
My first ever dive was on the Great Barrier Reef, and from the moment I descended into weightlessness, I was captivated by the vibrant colors and abundance of life.
This sparked my passion and has kept me returning to the water ever since. Over the years, I’ve watched our seas change — once shark-filled reefs are now barren, corals bleached, and fish swept up in vortexes of plastic...
AUGUST 2021
Introducing the 2021 Adobe Rising Stars of photography
Photographs have the power to tell captivating stories, forge connections, and inspire hope for a better future. Given photography’s role in shedding light on global struggles and triumphs, today’s photographers are tasked with amplifying stories from their communities and breaking through digital barriers to make an impact.
Today, we’re proud to introduce 2021’s #AdobeRisingStars of photography, who are more than ready to meet the challenge.
FEBRUARY 2021
INTERSECTIONAL ENVIRONMENTALIST: OCEANS TOPIC PAGE
To solve the issues beneath the waves we need to understand what’s happening on the surface. Just as every coastline is unique, so are the communities and, ultimately, the solutions.
The ocean connects us all. It is not only a source of refuge, income and sustenance, but also vital to our individual survival. The ocean provides the air we breathe, protects our coastlines from storm erosion, and serves as a lifeline for many coastal communities. Despite ocean conservation being a global issue, it greatly lacks global representation. Ocean health is rapidly declining due to anthropogenic stresses such as climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. To turn the tide on the ocean’s fate, we need to work towards solutions that protect our waters and coastal communities.
JANUARY 2021
MARINE ECOSYSTEM DIARIES
In 2021, The Marine Diaries is running ‘Marine Ecosystem Diaries’. This project will run for nine months and explore nine different marine ecosystems: coral reefs, open ocean, deep sea, kelp forests, seagrass, rockpools, mangroves, shellfish reefs, and polar seas.
The aim of the Marine Ecosystem Diaries is to convey the importance of these marine ecosystems in an engaging, fun, and interesting way. The project will also explain the threats these ecosystems are facing, as well as highlight conservation efforts and how individuals can help make a difference.
In January The Marine Diaries kick-started their #MarineEcosystemDiaries project with a month of all things coral reefs.
Head over the @themarinediaries as they uncover all of this and
more!
DECEMBER 2020
INKA CRESSWELL: TEACHING THE WORLD TO LOVE THE OCEANS
Inka is hopeful that we can not only make the field of ocean conservation more inclusive, but that we, as a community, “can change the fate of our oceans, it just requires some serious action”.
“We need people from every corner of our planet working together and this means that everyone, no matter their race, religion, gender, or sexual identity must feel able to engage with our marine environment and in conservation work.”
OCTOBER 2020
CONSERVATION FILMMAKING WITH INKA CRESSWELL
Conservation Filmmaker, Inka Cresswell, is passionate about documenting the state of the world’s oceans to inspire others to safeguard them for future generations. At 26 years old, Inka is a PADI Open Water Dive Instructor, Underwater Photography Instructor, and Dive Against Debris Instructor, as well as an Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures Technical Diver. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology, and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Filmmaking. Her debut film, ‘MY 25: The Ocean Between Us’ has been shown at numerous film festivals around the world. Here, Inka provides some powerful behind-the-lens perspectives on all things conservation filmmaking.
AUGUST 2020
HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH SHARKS
Hanging in open blue water, too deep to see the bottom and 30ft from the surface, whilst being circled by sharks is what many people consider to be a nightmare situation. But, for me, this is a dream; an opportunity to observe one of our most well-adapted and beautiful apex predators in their natural environment and capture their grace on camera.
JUNE 2020
A SPACE FOR FEMALE OCEAN CONSERVATIONISTS
I realised that my camera is my most powerful weapon in the fight to save our oceans as it wouldn’t only allow me to tell the stories of creatures hidden by the ocean's surface but would also allow me to give people an insight into the individuals who dedicate their lives to our oceans. By understanding how different cultures connect with our oceans I felt I could show the incredible value of this vast ecosystem. There's only so much you can do with an image though and that's why I decided to do a career shift into wildlife filmmaking...
MAY 2020
SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR 2020 - Kit Review
When it comes to swimming sustainably – first and foremost the most sustainable item is the swimming costume you already own. But if you are considering buying or gifting someone with a swimming costume, this kit review showcases some of the few brands that go above and beyond with their commitment to producing sustainable swimwear in an ethical and sustainable manner..
FEBRUARY 2020
BIODIVERSITY
Jackson Wild, the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are excited to announce the finalists of the World Wildlife Day Film Showcase: Biodiversity.
The judges – professional filmmakers, scientists and stakeholders from around the world – chose the finalists from over 300 entries.
Winners will be announced at UN Headquarters in New York at a high-level event on Tuesday, March 3 to observe World Wildlife Day, and then both the finalists and winners will be showcased at screenings around the world.
FEBRUARY 2020
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN DIVING
We are taking the main stage right after Go Diving's main speaker Steve Backshall of the BBC, to "celebrate women in diving".
This panel discussion, hosted by GTS founder Sarah Richard will introduce you to 3 inspiration Girls that Scuba on each day. Sarah will be interviewing them on their journeys in scuba diving so far; the highs, the lows, their dreams and aspirations as a diver.
Inka cresswell is an Advanced Nitrox and decompression procedures technical diver , Open Water dive instructor, Underwater photography instructor, Sidemount diver, AAUS Scientific Diver and has a BSc Marine Biology and an M.A. in Wildlife Filmmaking. She was the winner of our GTS competition with videography team Behind the Mask and got to spend a week learning from one of the best film teams out there!
JANUARY 2020
STARTING IN CONSERVATION FILMMAKING
What does it take to become a conservation filmmaker? Inka Cresswell has asked herself that questions at a very young age and will share the story about her successful journey with us. Let’s ask her some questions!
KARA NORTON
JUNE 2019
MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE OCEAN EXPLORERS
FEMALE EXPLORERS: INKA CRESSWELL
The focus on “Gender and the Ocean” during this year's #worldoceansweek provides an opportunity to showcase the work of a new generation of female leaders who are building upon the advancements of the ocean pioneers who came before them. These women are scientists, photographers, digital storytellers and avid adventurers.
Read the stories of eight female explorers who are working on some of the biggest challenges facing our environment. Take a deep dive into their world
In comparison with previous generations of ocean explorers and conservationists, Cresswell made the distinction that her generation is faced with mediating the effects of human impact...
THE FINS UNITED INITIATIVE
FEBRUARY 2018
BEHIND THE FINS: INKA CRESSWELL
"WHEN I GROW UP, I WANT TO BE LIKE..."
"Behind the Fins" is a behind-the-scenes interview with those involved in fin science! Who do you want to be like?
What is there to say about Inka Cresswell? We feel like you don't need much of an introduction to such a powerhouse of a person, yet many people still haven't met the bubbly diver and ocean lover. Her fascination with the ocean started young and blossomed as she aged despite struggling with science as a subject. She found a way to not only be immersed under the waves but capture it in a way that captivates audiences on social media to learn not only about the animals behind her lens but what can be done to help them out. The Fins United Initiative is excited to have Inka Cresswell here to talk about her life and journey so far.
The Fins United Initiative: Thanks for being here with us today, Inka. We are thrilled to have you as one of the many marine scientists in Europe today! First off - what got you interested in marine biology?
Inka Cresswell: I grew up by the sea in Brighton so...
SPRING 2017
SWIMMING WITH GIANTS
Lying on the surface of the water face down I take another deep breath, filling my lungs as deeply as I can as waves crash around me. One more breath and then descend. Kicking through the water we enter the blue in our most natural form, no breathing equipment just a single breath. As I descend deeper a whole new world opens before me, the visibility clearing to reveal a stunning volcanic landscape not apparent from the waters surface. Hanging in the blue an Oceanic manta ray approaches at first keeping its distance but then coming closer meeting the free divers eye to eye as if asking; What are you? Why are you here? Another diver takes a breath and swims under the Manta capturing its ventral side on a GoPro for later identification. After determining the sex a biopsy is taken, the manta ray roles in response but continues to hang around watching the divers with curiosity.
This latest expedition to La Paz and the Revillagigedo Archipelago organised by The Watermen Project brought a group of scientists, free divers and ocean explorers in contact with some of the oceans biggest giants. The Watermen Project is an organization that uses its breath holding and photography skills to collect scientific data in the form of tagging, biopsies and identification photos. As well as the scientific goals this organization also works to create inspiring images highlighting the beauty of our oceans inspiring a future generation of ocean explorers and conservationists.
APEX ENCOUNTERS
A photostory about coming face to face with Great White sharks
Shark populations have been threatened due to Over harvesting, environmental degradation and shark culling. For the first time in years Great white sharks a leading Apex predator appear to be on the rise. In order to continue to conserve these magnificent creatures a change must take place in public perception. One of the best ways to make this change is to experience these sharks incredible beauty and power first hand, the goal is not to make sharks appear friendly or harmless but instead to inspire the public to respect these ancient predators that call these waters home.
Shark tourism is a growing industry that has assigned a new monitory value to sharks globally. On average a shark is worth $200 in the shark fin trade but the same shark is valued at up to $178,00 in the shark tourism industry. This shift in their economic value provides a realistic financial alternative to shark finning. However, the industry faces intense criticism due to claims that chumming alters the natural predatory behavior of sharks. Despite no scientific backing claims have also been made that chumming in close proximity to divers can cause sharks to associate people with prey causing an increase in shark attacks...
SPRING 2017
DECEMBER 2017
10 REASONS COMPLETING YOUR DIVE MASTER SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT BIG ADVENTURE
Ever dreamt of living on a tropical island? Who hasn’t! The dive master course is your perfect opportunity not to just travel somewhere different, but to truly experience it. To live like a local and dive every day of the week. Here are my 10 best reasons (and trust me I can think of plenty more) why your next big adventure should be to complete your dive master training.
I completed my dive master training (DMT) on the beautiful island of Gili Trawangan in Indonesia. Gili T is a tiny island in the heart of the coral triangle. You may know it as a party island on the backpacker route through Indonesia, but beneath the joss shots and hostels is an incredible dive community and an ocean abundant with stunning marine life. My DMT was by far one of my best travel experiences and here are 10 reasons why given the chance I would do it all again.
FEBRUARY 2018
9 REASONS TO DIVE WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS IN GUADALUPE
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to come face to face with one of the world’s most notorious predators? Perhaps you watched JAWS and were instantly captivated, or maybe for you great white sharks are the stuff of nightmares… No matter what your view, there is one thing you can’t deny and that’s that these epic sharks fascinate us.
Personally, I love sharks. I love the grace they have when they move through the water, the stories that surround them and the way their fins cut through the surface like a razor. There are few things as spectacular as watching a great white shark fly out of the water and somersault in the air during a breaching event. My first encounter with a white shark was in South Africa’s iconic Shark Alley but after hearing stories of Guadalupe, with its water so clear it’s like looking through glass, I was desperate to take the plunge again.
After graduating from San Diego State University with a B.Sc degree in Marine Biology I embarked on a 6 day live-aboard photography trip to Isla Guadalupe in search of Great White Sharks. Here are my 9 top reasons why a trip to Guadalupe to come face to face with a white shark should be at the top of your bucket list!
JANUARY 2018
THE ULTIMATE SUMMER ROAD TRIP GUIDE
Who hasn’t dreamed of speakers blaring Phantom Planets iconic ‘California’ whilst driving down the 101 with the top down and your best friends by your side. Yes, that’s right I’m talking about the ultimate California road trip. Golden beaches, hot surfer boys, only the trendiest of coffee shops and a huge abundance of California burritos. It’s the once in a life time trip every girl in their 20s NEEDS to tick of their bucket list!
If there’s one thing California is not in short supply of, it’s breathtaking panoramic views and the coastal roads have them in abundance. Big Sur has a view that rivals most coasts, its sheer cliffs and roaring waves make the ocean seem as though it goes on forever. And if oceans are not your thing (although I don’t know how they couldn’t be…) Yosemite makes up for it with stunning canyons, mountains and cliff faces that take your breath away...