Meet the Team - Elen Owens
Meet the faces behind YSCS! Next it’s Elen Owens - one of our board members. Read on for the full interview! 👇
First of all, what does being a board member actually involve?
“For me being a board member means a lot of behind the scenes work which I didn’t even know about! Activities such as creating policies, applying for funding, and helping promote YSCS. My favourite thing has been how many amazing people (particularly young people) I’ve had the opportunity to meet at events, giving me insights into all the amazing work happening around Scotland.”
Why do you think it’s important for young people to have a voice on marine policy?
“I think it’s important for young people to have a voice on marine policy because we are the generation that will inherit the ocean complete with all its issues, and it will be our responsibility to fix. I have also been fortunate enough to meet an incredible range of people and have learned that what young people potentially lack in experience they more than make up for in passion and can be incredibly knowledgeable on various marine topics.”
What marine issues in Scotland are you most passionate about and why?
“I am particularly passionate about the prevalence of plastic pollution in Scotland’s seas and the issues that this causes for marine organisms. I work in hospitality and have seen the amount of waste generated, particularly single use plastics, and how many people don’t appreciate the scale of the problem. With the University of Stirling Marine Conservation Society, I completed beach cleans and was made even more aware of the overwhelming problem of marine debris, particularly nurdles which are incredibly difficult to pick up.”
What advice would you give to other young people passionate about our seas?
“First of all, get involved with YSCS! Through YSCS you will meet a fantastic group of likeminded people and experts in the field (which is my next tip). Go to events and conferences and talk to people. You will meet some incredible people and hear about amazing opportunities. Volunteer for marine organisations such as MCS and take part in their beach cleans to meet people who feel the same way about marine issues. I know it’s difficult, but be persistent, keep getting involved, and try to stay optimistic. Together we can turn the tide.”
And finally, tell us about your favourite coast or sea spot in Scotland.
“My favourite spot has to be Smirisary Beach in Ardnamurchan. It’s about an hour’s walk along the coastline from the nearest road and it feels like you are stepping into another world. I’ve visited twice in the last couple of years and have spent hours watching hermit crabs search for the perfect shell. I love Smirisary because you often have the beach entirely to yourself and it has the typical pristine white sands of the west coast, where I am glad to say I’ve never seen marine litter.
Of course, YSCS is based in Scotland, but I miss the beaches in North Wales that I grew up on. In fact, there’s a Welsh word that sums it up, “Hiraeth” which roughly translates to a deep longing for somewhere that you hold dear to your heart, and might not be the same when you return.”
