I have a long history in ocean and shark conservation. It all began when I met an extraodinary shark named Maxine who changed my life. Before meeting her I had a colourful career as a model, actress and later diversified into a successful corporate career. I was also an underwater photographer and dive travel journalist. This progressed to me becoming a freelance environmental journalist. It is at this time of my life that I met Maxine. We set each other free – she set me free from the rat-race of the corporate world and I set her free from swimming around in circles in an aquarium for 9 years! She is the reason I founded AfriOceans Conservation Alliance, a non-profit organisation. Find out more about my exciting shark awareness project and about this extraordinary shark named Maxine Or watch the video below.
I have done many things to raise awareness about the plight of our oceans and sharks, I have produced award-winning documentaries and awareness videos, been a campaigner, an activist, an environmental writer, environmental photojournalist teacher, a project director, environmental project designer, underwater photographer, a conservation photographer, speaker, and I opened a public Shark Centre in Kalk Bay, which continues to this day.
Today I continue to do many of these things plus I am an eco-tourist business owner, which has a public beachfront centre called Shark Warrior Adventures. Together with my business partner, Terry Corr, we continue to reach thousands of people through our conservation-minded activities and tours. I also reach thousands of people through my team-building and motivational speaker engagements both online and in person, as well as through my Conservation Photojournalist Internships, and my Lesley Rochat Photography Workshops and Expeditions, which I love sharing with people from around world!