Hi everyone (or, given this is my first ever newsletter… hi mum!),
Welcome to Baleen by me: Melissa. I’m a communications consultant and writer passionate about making a positive difference to our planet and to people’s lives. I’ve been a diver for 13+ years and a published journalist (usually making a splash - sorry! - about something ocean related) for 5+ years.
Working in the marine conservation sector, I’m lucky enough to call many VERY awesome scientists and conservationists my friends and colleagues. And, because of this, sometimes, I hear on the grapevine about a cool study or innovation that’s going to have a real impact for our environment. As a freelance writer, I don’t just love to read these stories. I like to get right in there and chat to all the key players so I can write about them too. This means I have lots of insights about the environment and the sustainability movement at my fingertips that I’d love to share with you.
So, what can you expect from Baleen? Well, you tell me! If you know me already, you’ll know I love sharing intriguing, exciting and important stories about the environment and, often, the ocean. My intention is that, through Baleen, I’ll filter (gettit?!) through the latest conservation news, studies and papers to share the stories that really matter. If they’ve gone a little under the radar of the mainstream media, even better. Because everyone loves to be the first in the know. If you’re lucky, I might even throw in some fun facts (did you know a new study has found that octopus will PUNCH fish?!).
But, as my readers, you’re kinda the boss here. So, as I get going I’d love to hear your feedback. Want to hear more of something (new studies? fun facts for you to share on social? interviews with cool biologists?) or less of something (probably my awful puns…), let me know and we can figure out how to make this newsletter as insightful and engaging for you as possible.
If you’re familiar with my writing and enjoy letting my ocean ramblings wash over you, sign up now so you don’t miss the first issue. And if you’re not, sign up too - it’ll be fun!