Alexandra Johnston | Marine Conservationist and Wildlife Filmmaker | United Kingdom
Born in the UK, and raised between the UK and America, growing up next to the ocean changed Alexandra’s life completely.
An accomplished wildlife filmmaker, Alexandra is on a mission to create a legacy that will inspire others to show compassion to our oceans and marine life through her film production called Searching For Chinook.
Alexandra is also a volunteer for Ric O'Barry's Dolphin Project and can be seen in 'Converse - Public Access Campaign' talking about her marine activism.
When did you first start documenting your ocean story?
The idea for Searching for Chinook started in 2016 and came into fruition in 2018.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Growing up next to the ocean changed my life completely, Even to this day my fondest family memories are spent on the beach or in the water. One specific moment that altered everything for me was watching the film Free Willy when I was 5 years old. From the moment the opening credits started and J Pod appeared I was captivated by Killer Whales and in particular the Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Making the film “Searching For Chinook” to protect them has truly been in the making my entire life.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I chose to travel, I suffered with a lot of self doubt and low self esteem, and further education didn't seem to fit at the time. I started interning and working in ocean conservation and filming that!
Who/what currently inspires you?
My inspiration is truly this family of endangered Killer Whales, the Southern Residents and their plight. They have inspired me to fight for their survival everyday!
Other inspirations would be Ric O'Barry of Dolphin Project. His 50+ years of dedication and passion for protecting dolphins has evoked so much change and progress, and I'm so proud to play a part in that movement. I'm also left in absolute awe by Dr Ingrid Visser, I've been lucky enough to work with her, the scientific work she produces and relationship she has with New Zealand Killer Whales is something so unique and special.
Someone who truly inspired me to continue to follow my passion for conservation was Dr Deborah Giles. I was lucky enough to spend 3 months getting to know her and her work as she conducted scat research on the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Being on her boat getting to be involved in her integral research and learning how much data can be produced from that, is helping to protect the southern residents was one of the most meaningful times of my life.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
People's mindset towards what we give and take from the earth and its inhabitants.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope that my legacy will inspire others to show compassion to our oceans and marine life, to ignite change in the way treat them, and encourage others to want to protect and conserve them.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
If not you, who? Don't let fear hold you back from sharing a story that should be told. Do your research, be prepared, and keep going!
WEBSITE: searchingforchinook.com
INSTAGRAM: @alexinwaterlust
