For the Love of Oceans

In conversation with: Brinkley Davies

They say to follow your heart, which in Brinkley Davies’ case has led her to big things – the oceans, for one. A marine biologist and environmental conservationist, Brinkley devotes her days to making the earth a healthier place through her foundation Balu Blue and her everyday eco-friendly habits. Our kinda girl. Read our interview and get inspired below.

Tell us about growing up near the ocean.

I was lucky enough to grow up in coastal South Australia with endless empty beaches, so much marine life and perfect waves with my friends and family. Growing up near the ocean was something that inspired me on many levels – it was my playground as a kid, as a teenager, and now as an adult. I always wanted to learn more about it and do what I can to protect it.

When did you know you wanted to study Marine Biology?

Actually really early on. I remember writing Marine Biologist as my career goals on a piece of paper when I just started school. It became more and more clear to me as I grew up that the path I wanted was studying the ocean, and conserving it, which leads me to now.

You recently started the Balu Blue Foundation. What motivated you to take the big step?

I reached a point in my life where I was here, there and everywhere volunteering, diving, doing research trips, filming, and also involved in many different parts of advocacy in marine conservation – and I thought, why don’t I start something of my own? A really big influence in this was my pup Balu. He was a beautiful rescue pup we had for just under a year. He loved the ocean, he loved other animals and he had such a kind heart – he was family. Unfortunately, we lost Balu just short of his first birthday to the horrific 1080 bait that is used by national parks and farmers here in South Australia. It saddened me greatly and angered me that our society is uneducated in their conservation methods, and it inspired me to start my own organisation. I figured if someone doesn’t do something about this, then it will never change – I decided to start the foundation then.

A big inspiration, was also our rescue Kangaroo, Bunji, she came into our lives not long after all this happened with Balu, and it all started from there.

What is the foundation currently focused on?

As we have raised our little girl Bunji, we partnered with local landowners to support their property as a rescue sanctuary for orphan native wildlife. It was a slow transition for our little girl from our place up to the property. I slept up there with her and she got to know it as home. There are four other rescue kangaroos at the sanctuary and I am up there every second day to spend time with Bunji and help keep her shelter neat and tidy.

Aside from the wildlife rescue project, we also have our ongoing Marine Debris project #ClearTIdes. Last year we hosted and co-hosted a few beach clean-ups and also spoke at some schools. We aim daily to spread the message to collect marine debris off beaches and out of the ocean, and also to reduce your use of plastic, especially single-use plastics.

We have a few other projects up our sleeve for 2018 and are really excited about it.