Meet Annelie Pompe at MEMFIS – a professional adventurer

What does the ocean mean to you?
– The ocean feels like ’home’ to me. It’s my favourite place!

What human-caused effects or changes have you seen in the ocean over the years?
– I have been under water in many oceans during the last past 30 years and seen the changes with my own eyes! There’s less fish, more marine littering, oxygen deprived ocean floors and damaged coral reefs. But I have also seen many areas improve, so I’m hopeful!

The MEMFIS conference is about marine environmental monitoring – why/how/what is that important from your point of view?
– The challenge of the ocean is that it’s difficult to see what’s going on under the surface, hence monitoring the process seems like a great idea.

How does you/your work contribute to more effective environmental monitoring in the sea? What will you talk about at the conference?
– I’m part of a divers team called ’Divers against ghost nets’ who search for and pick up ghost nets from the ocean. I’m also an ambassador for ‘Keep Sweden Clean’ who organize beach clean-ups. I will talk about ocean adventures and how we can find courage and motivation to keep up with challenges ahead.

With the future in focus – how can we give back to nature by sharing and caring?
– By sharing the love for nature without shaming and guilt, and giving back in small and big ways.