Behind the Scenes:
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 makes me feel adventurous, like I’m meant to belong there. My parents would say I was hardwired to be a marine biologist from the start, since it was all I talked about, thought about, and dreamed of.
I was born in North Carolina, and even as a baby, I wasn’t shy about the water. My mom would carry me to the shore, and she always said I smiled the whole time. As I grew, my love and respect for the ocean only deepened, but I had a special fascination for sharks. At first, I couldn’t explain why. Was it their graceful movements? The raw power they carried? Or the sympathy I felt looking into their eyes, not seeing a monster but one of God’s most beautiful creations: strong, misunderstood, and so much knowledge to unfold.
When I was four, my mom introduced me to Shark Week. I didn’t watch from the couch, I sat on the floor, inches from the TV, completely in awe. One episode showed shark finning. My heart broke watching something I loved be harmed, but I also felt inspired by the researchers on screen fighting to protect sharks. I turned to my mom and said, “I want to be like them. I want to save sharks.”
In elementary school, when the teacher asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, I proudly said, “I’m going to study sharks!” That promise still holds true today. It’s what drives me every day, and it’s the reason I founded New Tides Conservation, to spark the same love and respect in others and to inspire people to protect the oceans and all the life within them.
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 divemaster certification. I plan to pursue a masters degree in the near future and further my passion for shark research.
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.
Currently, I regularly volunteer with Saving the Blue and attend shark research expeditions based in Florida and The Bahamas. I have been lucky enough to be mentored and work along side the very organization that inspired me since I was young. I owe many thanks and gratitude to the Saving the Blue team and the wonderful researchers and field technicians I've met along the way. Excited to be on this journey with you!
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 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.”