Junior PADI Master Scuba Diver and passionate shark advocate Toby (and his mum Michelle) recently shared his short, self-made shark conservation documentary with the PADI Torchbearer Facebook Group.
We were all so pleased to see one of our youngest Torchbearers – at only 12 years old – confidently speaking up on behalf of the ocean and using his creativity skills to raise awareness for sharks.
We absolutely had to get in touch with Toby directly to learn more about his motivations, achievements and hopes for the future. Suffice to say, he didn’t disappoint!
What’s your name and where are you based?
Hi! My name is Toby Monteiro-Hourigan. I am 12 years old and I am from England (UK).
What is your diver certification? How did you get into diving?
I became one of the youngest Junior Master PADI Scuba Divers when I certified at 12 years and 1 day in December 2020 with 80 dives! Both my parents scuba dive, so from the age of 4, I was actively involved in their buddy checks and equipment washing! I have taken all the PADI courses from the age of 8: PADI Bubbles/PADI Seals to Open, PADI Specialties, Advanced and Rescue.
Why is saving the ocean important to you?
The Ocean IS the Earth’s heart. It is easy not to appreciate its high value and importance because its beneath the surface. But if we don’t listen to marine biologists’ warnings and petition for change, a heart attack will happen!
What is your most memorable diving experience?
Definitely diving with Tiger Sharks! They have a powerful presence underwater without being threatening! Sharks are really misunderstood. I love seeing any Shark
Has scuba diving influenced the way you see the natural world? In what ways?
I’ve noticed the difference between scuba diving in Europe and Maldives: and that is Europe has been affected by overfishing! We need more marine protected areas, so more people can experience the happiness of seeing so much life under the sea!
What area of conservation are you most passionate about and why?
I would love to bring more awareness about the importance of sharks in the ocean because they are being cruelly hunted and slaughtered in their millions. Without sharks, the health of the ocean is at risk.
We loved your video on the Torchbearer Facebook Group. What inspired you to make the video and what do you hope people get out of it?
I am a member of the David Attenborough after school club at my school and we were asked to create a documentary. I chose Sharks. The main aim of the documentary is to change people’s perceptions of sharks and in doing so encourage people to petition world leaders to provide them more protection.
What are your hopes for the future? Do you have marine conservation hopes, career aspirations or a dream diving bucket list? If yes, please tell us about them!
I am very inspired by documentaries like Planet Earth and would love to someday hear the sound of whales underwater, do somersaults with seals and fin surf between sleeping sperm whales! I hope to find a summer job at the London Aquarium where i live, or join any marine conservation project in the summer holidays to help.
If you could ask the Torchbearer community to take one action, what would it be?
I would say consider NOT allowing your children to watch shark films which portray sharks as man-eating monsters. The fear is planted for life and sometimes irreversible!
Is there anything else I have missed that you would like to share with us?
Please watch my video and see that sharks are not menacing sea monsters but the ocean guardians and need our protection.
