Hey guys!
Nice to meet you, my Name is Luca. I am 23, from Düsseldorf, Germany, and probably one of the biggest shark nerds you will ever meet!
I did my PADI Dive Master Course with Crystal Divers here in Mauritius. During that time, I got to experience beautiful weeks on this mesmerizing island, deepen my dive knowledge and skills, as well as meet some amazing people! What an honour to be asked to write something about me, and to share my story with you all!
My interest in diving and marine life was sparked at a young age, thanks to the groundbreaking contributions of Jacques Cousteau and Hans Hass. Their exploration of the underwater world left a lasting impression on me, driving my ambition to become a marine biologist, with a specific passion for the mysterious world of sharks. The grace and presence of these creatures captivated me.
At the age of 17, fresh out of high school, I went on my scuba diving journey by moving to Fiji to pursue my dream of becoming a Shark Diver. It was there that I completed my Open Water, Advanced, and Rescue Diver certifications. Over the course of several months, I was working in a Shark Conservation Project, having the incredible opportunity to dive alongside numerous species including Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks and various Reef Sharks. I also got the opportunity to gain invaluable, hands-on experience with detailed shark research.
The mesmerizing waters of Fiji enveloped me, intensifying my commitment to ocean conservation as well as being able to connect with the local community and their livelihoods, as they co-existed with the ocean. It became clear to me that my path was linked to studying those animals as well as safeguarding the ocean and its inhabitants.
Coming back home, I started studying biology. Apart from my passion for marine biology, my other significant interest has always been painting. I dedicate much of my time to create artworks that showcase the beauty of sharks, and to connect with like-minded individuals in my home country.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered my life and centered it around University. Despite the challenges, I found solace in painting, infusing my art studio in Düsseldorf with the vibrant beauty of the ocean and the awe-inspiring presence of sharks. During this period, I successfully graduated my undergrad, specializing in deep-sea research and the study of hydrothermal vents. (I know, no sharks?).
In Germany, I volunteer as a School Referee for an NGO called ElasmOcean. Through our efforts, we aim to educate the younger generation about the ocean’s significance, fostering a deeper appreciation for sharks and their crucial role in the balance of an ecosystem. Spending so much time with kids and seeing them light up when listening to cool shark stories is one of the best things you can experience. Their favorite topic is always getting to touch the shark jaws. I always feel very honored to bring the ocean into a classroom.
With our slogan “Meer Schutz durch Wissen” (Sea/More Protection through Knowledge), we strive to empower individuals with the understanding that informed decisions lead to effective conservation efforts. I find so much hope in discussing the importance of sharks and the ocean, witnessing firsthand the shift in people’s perceptions and helping them comprehend the vital role sharks play in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Now, lets dive into what makes sharks so special and why I’m so obsessed with them!
Sharks, with over 551 described species, have roamed the oceans for over 400 million years and therefore being even older than land plants. As an apex predator, they play a vital role in regulating fish populations and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
From the Biggest ‘Fish’ in the Ocean, the Wall Shark getting up to 10 meters to the tiniest Lantern Shark, only sizing 20 centimeters, their diversity never fails to amaze me. Some of them eat turtles, seals, and other sharks where others consume only plankton, tiny organisms drifting in the ocean. There are so many misconceptions regarding sharks, fueled with fear and ignorance. In my presentations, I debunk myths and compare the disproportionate fear of sharks to the actual risk they pose to humans.
By my young age, being in Shark Conservation for over 7 years now, I saw many dead sharks. I would say, more dead ones than living ones have crossed my path.
Witnessing their graceful, mesmerizing movements in the water captivates you forever. By comparison, seeing lifeless sharks on fish markets is more than hard to see. But it makes you realize that this is real, and that sharks are dying.
Human activity leads to an estimated 80-200 million sharks that are killed annually, primarily for their fins. The cruel practice of shark finning, where fins are brutally removed from live sharks before being discarded to die. This practice sustains the demand for shark fin soup in some Asian countries. Last year, I had the chance to join forces with StopFinning EU, after 1.1 million votes against shark finning where collected, to address this issue to the European Parliament.
Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful, because of the support of a growing community of ocean lovers and shark enthusiasts. Together we’re driving positive chance and change for a brighter future for our oceans and the magnificent creatures that call it home.
I am currently doing my Masters of Science in Marine Biology, where I hope to focus my future research on Shark Behavior and Movement as well as human pressures on shark population dynamics. With pursuing this degree, I want to have the chance to learn even more about sharks, the beauty and mystery of the ocean and how to protect it. To gain more experience in Diving and Conservation I planned to pursue my PADI Dive Master Certification with Crystal Divers here in Mauritius.
As soon as I arrived, Tony and Emma welcomed me so nicely and lovingly, letting me feel at home immediately. They let me hold a shark presentation in the first weeks of my stay, where I had the chance to talk about my favorite topic (who would have thought hehe).
They supported me through all my ups and downs. Chris Murphy, my instructor, pushed me and engaged me to do my best and it worked out well! I had an amazing time, I learned so many new things and really got to learn a lot about myself. The PADI Dive Master Course pushed me and let me learn more about my strengths and skills. I can’t wait to apply all that in my future Diving Journey.
Meeting with people who feel the same as you do just brings so much joy to your life. This connecting power of the ocean is so beautiful to see, people bond through diving, exchange their experiences and knowledges creating a lifetime friendship.
When people learn diving and learn about the ocean, they simultaneously fall in love with it and want to protect it. This is exactly what we need to have the biggest impact on ocean conservation: To love and protect our beautiful ocean. Thank you, Crystal Divers, again for making me fall in love with diving and the ocean even more. I can’t wait to project everything that I’ve learned from you all..! <3
Thank you to everyone for making my PADI DMT journey unforgettable! Cheers to Chris, Tony, Emma, Ruby, Liam, Olli, Luke, Brogen, Ryan, Amy, Michael and of course Pascal (the best skipper in the world!!) for making this time so fun and letting me talk about sharks so much hehe. I can’t wait to see you guys again!
With gratitude and fins up! Luca
