We’re proud and excited to share that Whale Wise has appointed a new Board of Trustees to guide the next part of our journey.

This expanded board brings together a powerful constellation of voices from science, storytelling, law, education and community. Each trustee brings not only professional expertise, but a deep personal commitment to the ocean and the species who inhabit it. Here’s a quick introduction to our vital new charity members, with more information on our trustees web page:

Rebecca Douglas (president): visual storyteller and ocean advocate, striving to rewild our connection to nature. Rebecca brings marketing and media expertise into this role, on top of incredible creativity, to enhance and uplift our mission.

Helen Mitcheson (treasurer): a marine scientist and solicitor with nearly two decades of experience dedicated to environmental protection. Helen currently practises as an environmental lawyer, also co-directing the charity Cet Law.

Rebekka Þórsdóttir: an Icelandic whale-watching guide and certified captain. Rebekka has contributed to various marine conservation organisations in Iceland, bringing that experience and local knowledge into this new role.

Denise Risch: a marine mammal ecologist interested in the study of underwater sounds and aquatic soundscapes. Denise’s research experience will be critical in guiding our scientific research for conservation purposes.

Abigail Robinson: a marine environmental policy and sustainability expert, with expertise in biosecurity. Abigail’s policy experience and professional connections will help ensure that our work is translated into conservation action.

Lizzie Daly: an ecologist, filmmaker and wildlife TV host with a lifelong interest in nature. Lizzie’s diverse expertise will enhance all aspects of our work, from fundraising to public outreach.

Laura Wells: a science communicator, environmentalist and model, passionate about educating people on the natural world. Combined with a background in marine biology and law, Laura’s experience will be key in shaping our mission and strategy.

Valentina DaCosta: an international environmental lawyer, PhD candidate, and passionate advocate for marine mammals. Valentina’s specialism of integrating scientific knowledge into legal practice will be vital in shaping our approach to informing policy for conservation purposes.

At a time when marine mammals are facing increasing threats — from entanglement and ocean noise to climate disruption and habitat loss — the role of Whale Wise has never felt more important. We’re excited to have their support as we step into the next part of our journey — a phase of growth grounded in collaboration, clarity and a shared dedication to meaningful, evidence-based impact.

This group will support our growing team and help steer our research, advocacy and public engagement work into a future shaped by integrity, inclusion and action.

To our current community, thank you for being part of our journey so far. To those just joining us, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Together, we’ll keep listening, learning and working to protect the lives of the whales we serve.

A statement from our new president, Rebecca Douglas

It’s an honour to step into the role of President of the Board of Trustees at Whale Wise.

This charity has been close to my heart for a long time. What began as a collaboration through my photography has grown into something far deeper, a shared commitment to protecting whales through research, advocacy and public engagement. Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed first-hand the depth of integrity, dedication and scientific excellence that defines the Whale Wise team. From advocating for an entangled whale caught in ghost gear, to researching the impacts of ship traffic on whale migration routes and pioneering, our work is grounded in rigorous research and driven by a deep respect for the ocean and the species who call it home.

Whale Wise is doing vital work in an increasingly busy ocean. Entanglement in fishing gear remains one of the leading threats to large whales. In Iceland, at least one in four humpbacks show signs of entanglement, a statistic that became devastatingly real when the team and I rallied to assess an entangled humpback whale named Bird. That moment became a turning point for me. A moment of hope that illuminated what’s possible when science, conservation and community come together. And that’s what Whale Wise does so well. It doesn’t just study whales, it works to advocate for and protect them.

As President, I bring with me not only deep personal investment, but also over a decade of experience as a visual storyteller, educator and purpose-led business owner. With a background in geography and marine conservation and experience teaching in higher education, I’ve built a creative practice rooted in connection and impact. Through underwater, drone and environmental photography, I’ve collaborated with organisations who put people and planet first. Alongside image-making, I’ve supported campaigns, helped raise funding and built engagement strategies that connect audiences to urgent environmental stories, skills I now bring into service for Whale Wise as we continue to grow.

Our approach is simple and powerful. We study the interactions between whale populations and human activity, using both novel and trusted methods, from drones and hydrophones to citizen science. We work closely with academic partners and local communities to ensure our research reflects the lived reality of life at sea. We believe research is most powerful when shared, and so our work extends beyond academic publications into public engagement, through film festivals, social media, creative collaborations and hands-on involvement in our research. And we are committed to translating our findings into conservation action, engaging directly with industries and policymakers to inform more sustainable, respectful use of our oceans.

We are entering a pivotal time for marine conservation. With industrial activity accelerating in the Arctic and climate change transforming marine ecosystems, the work of organisations like Whale Wise has never been more essential. I’m proud to support this remarkable team of researchers, educators, advocates and storytellers, as we deepen our impact, expand our reach and continue to protect the lives of the whales we adore.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.