Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
About New Tides:
About our Founder/Editor & Publisher: Hannah Richey
The ocean has always been something I’ve been drawn to. As a kid, it was my favorite place—and it still is. Something about it made me feel adventurous, like I was meant to be there. My parents used to say I was hardwired to be a marine biologist—it’s all I talked about, thought about, wanted to learn, and wanted to be part of.
I was born in North Carolina, and even as a baby, I wasn’t shy about wanting to go in the water. My mom would carry me or walk me to the shore, and she said I always had a smile. As I got older, my love, respect, and appreciation for the ocean only deepened—especially for sharks. I couldn’t exactly explain why at first. Was it their graceful movement? The power you feel when you’re close to them? Or the sympathy I felt looking into their eyes, not seeing a monster, but God’s beautiful creation: a strong, powerful, and misunderstood creature with so much knowledge to unfold.
In many ways, I related to them. Life isn’t always easy, and people may tear you down—but there are those who love and want to protect you. That connection made me feel bonded with sharks. One of my favorite things is looking into their eyes and feeling their gaze. Forming a connection, even a bond with an animal is like nothing else.
I was five when my mom first turned on Shark Week. I didn’t sit on the couch; I sat on the floor, as close to the TV as I could, completely in awe. One episode that week focused on shark finning. I remember feeling heartbroken watching something I loved being harmed. But then the screen showed a marine biologist fighting to stop the fin trade. I turned to my mom and said, “That’s what I’m going to be when I grow up.”
That statement still holds true today, and it’s something I continue to work toward. I created New Tides Conservation in hopes to influence the hearts of others towards the proper treatment of our oceans and all its inhabitants.
Hannah's Background
I earned my Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University Galveston. I am an avid scuba and freediver, and am currently working on my master diver certification. During my time at university, I worked at the Gulf Research Institute for Highly Migratory Species under Dr. David Wells. Here, I was selected to lead a dockside sampling research team that collected specimens from fishing charters to use for ongoing trophic ecology research. I interacted with fishermen on a day-to-day basis and discussed topics including, impacts of fisheries management on their targeted catch and their knowledge of migratory species behavior. I owe many thanks to my professors and colleagues from TAMUG who have helped and supported me throughout my journey.
Why was New Tides Conservation created?
New Tides Conservation was created in 2017 and serves as a blog and shop dedicated to protecting and raising awareness to endangered species and their habitats. It is our goal to do all we can to protect the ocean and its animals, and educating others is the best place to start. Hannah was selected to be interviewed by Shark Allies for an Earth Day advocacy article and was asked the question “If you could make one change in the world, what would it be and why?” Her response was as quoted: "If I had to choose one change that I believe would make an impact on the world, it would be to change the hearts of the people towards the environment and animals. In regards to this statement I am referring to pollution, poaching, and any other harmful acts towards the planet or animals. I hope to open their eyes to see the importance of protecting endangered species and their homes. A simple change of heart is what I feel would be the one change I would make, in hopes we could come together and treat our plants, animals, and their habitats with kindness. My mom always told me my love for animals came from the heart and is why I'm so passionate about protecting them, so I believe the hearts of others is where we should start.”
Everyone can make a difference, the world needs a change of heart and for its inhabitants to treat it with kindness.