At first glance, marine journalism and about the ocean might seem like a very narrow niche. But, when you think about it, it gives me the opportunity to write about a whole host of different things including...

Cool scientific discoveries

I've covered new discoveries about humpback whale sex, paternal care in squid, tagging the world's largest marine stingray, that basking sharks might actually be warm blooded and more...

Weird and wonderful animals

From barracuda to zebra sharks via cuttlefish and mantis shrimp, I've drafted reference pieces on heaps of fascinating animals (above and below the water).

Grassroots efforts to protect nature

Like my articles for The Guardian about kelp restoration and nurdle hunting in Sussex.

Inspiring people

I get to meet so many inspiring people through my interviews but one particular highlight is meeting the legendary Sylvia Earle for BBC Wildlife Magazine.

Tips and advice

There are also lots of opportunities to help people learn how to protect the ocean. Like my Reader's Digest piece on what to do if you find a stranded cetacean (aka whale, dolphin or porpoise).

Movies

Who knew I'd get to watch Free Willy for work? Not me, until I wrote up a piece reflecting on the movie's 30 year anniversary (also for the Guardian).

Palaeontology

Shark fossils come up a lot. I recently wrote about a cool ancient shark for Live Science. 

Tourism

Including scuba diving and eco tourism as well as how to minimise your impact on holiday and use travel as a force for good.

Climate change

There are so many different ways climate change is impacting our world, including warming oceans and winters getting less snowy.

Puzzling mysteries

... and how ZSL's 'CSI of the sea' goes about solving them.

The list goes on. Maybe marine journalism isn't such a narrow niche after all?

Thanks so much for reading. If you enjoyed this blog, I'd be very grateful for anyone who considers buying me a virtual coffee.

Work with me

Hi, I'm Mel and I write about the ocean. If you think a writer with marine journalism experience could help you with your projects, check out my published work and which copywriting support I offer. I'm available for commission from organisations and editors to help with articles, blogs, web copy, reports and more.

If you're interested in commissioning me, feel free to get in touch for a chat - I'd love to hear from you.