Named an ‘Agent of Change’ by Surfer magazine in their special Ocean Edition, her work is deeply influenced by the ocean and the lessons learned pioneering women’s big-wave surfing in Ireland and the sport of surfing with women in Iran, which led her to be invited to give an inspiring TEDx talk: Just Add Surf.
Her ground-breaking journey to Iran in 2013 introduced the sport of surfing to women and local communities and is featured in the award-winning documentary film, “Into the Sea”. Passionate about facilitating creative & collaborative processes, she founded Like Water, a platform to explore innovative ways to reconnect with who we are, our environment and each other, through water.
Easkey draws on the sea as an active metaphor to dive deep into the power of presence and embodiment of natural cycles. She designs and delivers international summits and global leadership programmes specialising in experiential learning, nature connection, immersive embodiment practices, community engagement and social impact, including the annual Wavemaker retreat in Portugal and Move Like Water retreat for women.
Turn Tides brings the ocean to you! With a metre-long touchpool filled with live species such as crabs, starfish, urchins and more, Turn Tides brings you face-to-face with fascinating creatures and artefacts from beneath the waves. We can hold events in homes, shopping centres, schools, youth clubs, community centres – almost anywhere!
Visit www.turntides.org to book your marine workshop today.
Marie Louise Heffernan is an environmental scientist with over 30 years of experience in biodiversity planning, Habitats Directive implementation, and ornithology. She holds an MSc from Trinity College Dublin and is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and a full member of CIEEM.
As Director of Aster Environmental Consultants, she has authored conservation plans, conducted seabird and ecological surveys, and provided expert advice on marine and terrestrial projects and trained hundreds of professionals in Appropriate assessment. Marie Louise has served on the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland and is currently focused on the interactions between offshore energy development and biodiversity conservation.
Cuan Beo was established by local community members who have come together to campaign for and assist in the restoration of the natural habitat, species, environment, and heritage of Galway Bay. We believe these elements underpin the economic and social fabric of the region, the recreational amenity it provides, and the livelihoods of those who work and live within its catchment.
Focused on water quality, human connectedness between the land and sea, and native oyster restoration, our impact on rural development, marine education, blue health, economics, and heritage is profound.
INFOMAR aims to provide comprehensive and accessible marine datasets for Irish waters that underpin and add value to marine research, SOLAS Convention obligations and government policy.
These products will foster growth within the national blue economy, maintain the health and integrity of our natural marine environment while facilitating international collaboration and best practice in the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resource.
MaREI is the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine research and innovation co-ordinated by the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at University College Cork. The Centre comprises over 220 researchers focusing on defined global challenges such as the Energy Transition, Climate Action and the Blue Economy. Across these, it has a strong focus on empowering society – supporting societal engagement to facilitate participatory action across marine and terrestrial activities.
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users.
Through its communication and education, networking and outreach activities, the Institute informs its stakeholders and broader society about the work that it does and the importance and value of the ocean in providing essential goods and services for society and economy.
The Ocean Awareness programme is a dynamic, engaging initiative focused on promoting both physical and mental well-being through ocean-based activities. Our aim is to provide participants with a pathway to enjoying the ocean while fostering a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
Aligned with the EU Youth Strategy’s pillars of Engage, Connect, and Empower, our programme explores outdoor activities grounded in nature connection principles to empower young people and achieve positive outcomes. Our sessions offer a diverse range of activities and ocean education in a safe, supportive environment where young people can develop their skills, build confidence and connect with nature.
Turn Tides brings the ocean to you! With a metre-long touchpool filled with live species such as crabs, starfish, urchins and more, Turn Tides brings you face-to-face with fascinating creatures and artefacts from beneath the waves. We can hold events in homes, shopping centres, schools, youth clubs, community centres – almost anywhere!
Visit www.turntides.org to book your marine workshop today.