If you knew her growing up, Charlee Shea probably seemed an unlikely shark advocate. She moved to South West Rocks on the mid north coast of New South Wales, Australia at age 12, but wasn’t exactly the “coastal” type. In fact, she was terrified of the ocean. Susceptible, like so many of us are, to the exaggerated myths of sharks as man-eating predators, Charlee was so mortified that she refused to even enter ocean waters.

All of that changed, though, when Charlee’s year nine marine studies teacher shared a shark documentary with her class. Charlee found herself inspired by the beautiful portrayal of sharks’ elegance, fascinated by their intelligence and complex social interactions, and heartbroken upon learning the unfortunately reality that so many sharks around the world face dire fates: bycatch, overfishing and finning. Her perspective completely changed.

When Charlee’s mother offered to pay for her open water scuba diving training course for her 16th birthday, she was elated. Charlee says her first dive was the best day of her life:

“When I encountered my first shark underwater – a large, pregnant Grey Nurse shark – I cried of happiness. Seeing sharks in their natural habitat, I knew I had to save them.”

She was transformed. It was then that Charlee pledged to do everything in her power to speak out for shark protection. After researching a variety of wildlife conservation organizations and shark protection programs, she discovered Project AWARE’s shark conservation advocate toolkit and an idea sparked. She realized that if she wanted to help protect sharks, she needed to help changed the public’s perceptions of them. Using Project AWARE’s shark conservation study guide and educational materials, she would spread awareness and increase education on sharks amongst her friends, family and the public.

Now, 17-year-old Charlee leads educational talks throughout her community – she speaks to peers, local schools and clubs about sharks, including their social lives, environments, and the many challenges they face. With more than 75 dives completed in under twelve months, her first-hand experience and unparalleled passion for sharks makes her presentations compelling, informative and empowering. She’s led six talks so far with audiences of 80+ students and teachers in attendance, and plans to continue growing her efforts. Once timid and afraid of the ocean, Charlee has become a fearless shark-diving activist and educator.

Project AWARE is proud to have Charlee as part of our global activist network fighting for ocean protection. Learn more about sharks in peril and check out our shark conservation tools to advocate for their protection in your community.