Meet Starr Sams, the Marine Educator at Coco Bodu Hithi!

A lifelong interest in the marine environment led Starr Sams to pursue her studies in Marine Biology once she finished school. Graduating from Bangor University with a First Class Honours BSc in Marine Vertebrate Zoology in 2019, her main research project focused on human impacts on shark and ray species, and the differences in their vulnerability to extinction.

After graduating, Starr worked at home in the UK as a Marine Educator at an independent aquarium, teaching the public about local marine life and caring for the animals. It was here that she developed a keen interest in working with the public and educating people about the wonders and importance of the underwater world.

Starr went on to work at the Bimini Biological Field Station (Sharklab) where she assisted with a wide range of shark research projects and gained a passion for combining research with outreach and education through tours and public engagement. This experience led to working with Sharks4Kids, a registered non-profit organization aiming to create a new generation of shark advocates through both in-person and virtual shark lessons and events.

During the pandemic, Starr began remotely collaborating with the Red Sea Project, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, with a focus on the Red Sea.

“This project increased my experience in Sea Turtle conservation projects, which I am very excited to enhance during my time here at Coco Bodu Hithi”, says Starr

“I am especially interested in helping people learn all about the marine environment, and I especially love meeting all the guests here at Coco Bodu Hithi. I hope to help everyone enjoy our beautiful reefs safely, whilst protecting such a diverse habitat.”

You can join Starr on a guided snorkelling trip to discover the stunning underwater world surrounding our island. For more information, please email gro@cocoboduhithi.com.