Meet Abby Hendershot: Take MAR’s New BLUE Program Coordinator 🌊

We’re excited to introduce Abby Hendershot, Take MAR’s new BLUE Program Coordinator! With a strong background in marine ecosystems and a lifelong love for the ocean, Abby brings a passionate and thoughtful approach to BLUE. Dive in below as Abby reflects on what inspires her, what she’s most looking forward to in this role, and the small but powerful ways we can all help protect our planet.

What drew you to Take MAR’s mission?

I was drawn to Take MAR’s mission because of the incorporation of human wellness into environmental regeneration. There are a lot of environmental organizations doing important work to protect and restore the environment, but Take MAR’s unique approach stood out to me!

What excites you most about the BLUE program?

I am most excited about the opportunity to grow the existing BLUE projects along with developing new projects along the way. My background is in experiential learning and I am looking forward to creating ocean-focused events that leave a lasting impact on the community.

What first sparked your interest in marine ecosystems?

Growing up, I used to visit Sanibel Island and I attended marine science day classes at Sanibel Sea School. In these classes, we would learn about different ocean-related topics while being immersed in their ecosystem. This sparked my interest in the ocean and in experiential learning. People may not always remember the scientific facts, but they will remember how they felt when they connected with the ocean.

Do you have a favorite marine species, and what makes it meaningful to you?

I have many favorite sea creatures and species - so many that I usually rotate my favorite every few days. Why pick just one? Currently, my favorite sea species is sargassum algae. It’s my favorite species of algae because it floats at the surface of the water and becomes home to many other species, like sargassum fish, who hide among the branches. My favorite parts of the algae are the pneumatocysts, little sacs filled with air that help the algae stay buoyant in the water column.

How can individuals help protect marine ecosystems in their everyday lives?

While not everyone may live directly next to the ocean, there are a few things that people can do in their everyday lives to protect it. First, I’d like to reference Finding Nemo and remind people that “all drains lead to the ocean.” Our actions can directly impact someone downstream from us, so it's important to be mindful of how our actions affect others and the environment. A second thing to work on is to reduce our single-use plastic usage. Most of us have heard of reduce, reuse, recycle when it comes to plastic, but it’s also important to remember that you can always refuse plastic. This looks like opting for using a reusable grocery bag or using a reusable and refillable water bottle. It’s unrealistic to completely eliminate our plastic usage, but making small steps towards reducing plastic in our lives is key. The most important thing we can do to protect marine ecosystems in our everyday lives is to foster a connection with the ocean. When we connect with the ocean and love it, we will find a way to protect it.

Do you have a favorite marine-themed book / film?

I’d have to say that my favorite marine-themed film would be Finding Nemo! I find myself quoting the movie frequently and never get tired of watching. There are a lot of great messages shown throughout the film: perseverance, teamwork and the power of collective action, creative thinking, and more. The movie also does a great job of connecting people with the ocean by personifying marine life and giving people a glimpse of what life underwater looks like. Of course not everything in the movie is accurate, but it does a great job of sparking curiosity in the ocean!

What’s one lesson the ocean has taught you?

The ocean has taught me to slow down and to be patient. I am a firm believer that the ocean gives you what you need, when you need it. When looking for shells, don’t be greedy and dig around for them because you won’t find what you are looking for. This same principle applies to life - opportunities will arise when they are ready to emerge. Like the shells, it’s up to you to take them.

Favorite Quote:

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” - Baba Dioum, 1968