Ripple Effect: Catching up with Ocean Activist Lauren Russell
The diver, photographer and ocean conservationist is bringing her camera to some of the world’s most remote places to spread awareness about the state— and beauty— of our blue planet.
Lauren Russell is getting ready to go to Tonga.
“Delayed since 2020! Very excited!”, she messaged.
Set roughly south of Fiji, Samoa and Niue, The Kingdom of Tonga (the only remaining indigenous monarchy in the Pacific) is one of the most remote island archipelagos in Polynesia. It’s also one of the most important places in the world for humpback whale conservation.
Every year between June and October, Tonga’s Vava'u island group becomes the breeding grounds for hundreds of humpbacks coming from a summer in the Antarctic. It’s one of the longest and largest animal migrations in the world, and Lauren Russell is headed there with her camera to document their stories.
The diver and budding conservation photographer hasn’t had a life centered solely in the water— her previous work as a creative, actress, jewelry designer, business owner, and activist across a flex of political and social spheres has helped her translate seamlessly into a passion for protecting the ocean.
As an ambassador for Sea Legacy amd Only.One, two renowned organizations that have worked tirelessly for marine conservation through storytelling and advocacy, Lauren shows us the ultimate power in being multi-passionate— and how we can inspire our own mini-future ocean protectors to step into all of their talents for the planet.
Thank you to Lauren for sharing her story, her love of cetaceans, and a few tips for when you decide to dive in to ocean activism yourself!
Lauren Russell. Photo by Steve Woods.
HT: Among so many things, you’re a creative– have you seen your work in creative fields inform your approach to conservation and activism?
Thank you Sam, this is a great question. My prior jewelry company had an expansive charitable jewelry line, so I have always had that aspect incorporated into my work. I believe that whatever you do in business, you have a responsibility to give back in some way, shape, or form if possible. Now that I closed my jewelry line, I am working full time on my conservation and activism because that is where passion lies. Our planet and specifically the ocean, needs all of our help today, not tomorrow. It is urgent as a lot of us know.
How did you first find diving?
I have always been so fascinated with the ocean. I grew up by the water in La Jolla, CA, and took summer classes at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Cetaceans became my focus, and my first real whale based trip was to San Ignacio Lagoon to see the “friendly” Gray whales of Baja California, Mexico. That is where my fascination began! From there I started taking trips as often as possible to see these incredible animals (on their terms, when they approach). Freediving and scuba diving were a natural progression and need from that obsession.
Where are some of the places on the planet you’ve dived- give us a few favorite moments or special experiences!
Timor-Leste is definitely a highlight. We swam with so many blue whales through their “super highway”- I encourage readers to look into what I mean by this. One of the blue whales that we saw was feeding, so that is a sight I will never forget.
I have to say off Cabo San Lucas is a favorite place for sure, that I will keep going back to. The quick off-shore depths of these places make them a perfect place to see normally deep-sea animals. In Cabo, I’ve swam with mobula rays, blue sharks, mako sharks, hammerheads, thresher sharks. In San Diego, viewing all kinds of species of whales from a boat is super easy, with the right guide. (I love www.gonewhalewatching.com).
Tell us about the organizations you’re involved with, your work with Only One and Sea Legacy, and how we can get involved in any and all ways.
Only One and Sea Legacy are incredible. I am so lucky to have involvement in organizations as amazing and powerful as these. I highly suggest readers go to www.only.one and www.sealegacy.com and check them out! We are such a special community of ocean lovers and activists from all around the world. We all need to get involved and do everything we can now, not tomorrow.
Do you have any upcoming trips planned? Give us the scoop!
Yes! Unfortunately during 2020 I had a cetacean trip to Sri Lanka canceled, and a trip to Tonga canceled. This year I am finally doing Tonga (they had the volcano eruption as well in 2022 so another delay) to swim and take photos around humpback whales.
Any must-have pieces of eco-travel gear?
I’m obsessed with Peak Design bags for my camera gear. But as far as sustainable gear goes I love finding small businesses on Etsy that use hemp, whenever possible. I wish more mainstream companies used recycled materials or hemp for their products.
What would you say to our awesome future mini-ocean activists about how to take care of our ocean planet?
I would say to find new and different ways to get humans to care and take action for the planet. Only One and Sea Legacy are great places to start. Talk to friends and family about how they are making changes. Think outside the box!
