Today we’d like to introduce you to Tam Warner Minton.
Tam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am an author, award-winning travel writer, underwater photographer, and avid scuba diver. Citizen science has allowed me to visit the seven continents of the world, assisting scientists. My passion has led me to cage dive with Great White Sharks, scuba dive alongside endangered Dwarf Minke whales, photograph and ID Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and other large pelagics. I am fascinated by all the creatures in the ocean, and particularly enjoy photographing faces.
Through scientific expeditions with various organizations, I have become acutely aware of the dangers of climate change. I have made it my mission to educate others on the importance of protecting our oceans and the precious lifeforms that dwell in them. My book, New 2nd Edition of All Fish Faces, is the result of my expeditions and experiences. Many people are interested in conservation, but few go out of their way to find out how to help. What better way for people to learn than through their children? Anyone with a passion and interest in protecting our Earth can make a difference, including kids. One does not need a Ph.D. in marine biology to encourage others to save the ocean. My experiences are a testament to the effects of crowd-sourced science, and how anyone can do far more than they ever dreamed possible. I encourage everyone, especially kids, to participate in citizen science and volunteer travel, learn about the ocean, and help preserve our ocean resources. As a former University Lecturer and College Consultant, I believe that knowledge is power, and education is always a positive force.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Are there ever smooth roads? Traveling solo as a woman has been difficult only in convincing others that I can do it. Now, no one questions it, since I’ve been doing it for so long. My husband had a double lung transplant in 2013 and is unable to travel far or remotely as I do. My kids at first were very concerned, but over time they are okay with it. I love traveling solo. I love the empowerment of it, the independence, and the ability to do what I want to do, without having to compromise. I’ve been all over the planet. I do struggle with chronic pain, but I’ve learned how to travel to alleviate it as much as possible.
Deciding to write a book wasn’t difficult, but making it happen wasn’t easy! I thought about the fact that I was a social scientist, not a physical scientist, but I didn’t need to have a Ph.D. to share my passion with others and inspire them to take care of our oceans. I love diving, and it is hard during this time of covid19 to stay put in Dallas. I’m itching to get back in the water.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Ocean lovers and budding marine biologists will adore the 2nd Edition of All Fish Faces, an underwater treasure of tropical reef fish faces, some fierce, some fun, but all a joy for fish fans young and old. Colorful photography — including names of every fish featured — creates a colorful dive log worth experiencing again and again. Introducing kids and their families to our ocean friends will create a generation of excited, enthusiastic, and caring ocean lovers who care deeply about marine life. Who knows? Maybe it will encourage future scientists and conservationists! It includes ocean and marine life education and tips on how kids, and everyone they know, can help save our ocean friends. The 2nd Edition of All Fish Faces appeals to kids of all ages and shows readers the colorful ocean animals who live beneath the waves. 10% of profits will go to the Marine Megafauna Foundation to continue their scientific research to protect our oceans and ocean giants.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Seeing Manta Rays from the beach in Ft Lauderdale. That was amazing.
Pricing:
- The book is at Amazon and distributed by Ingram. It retails at $16.99
but you can order directly from me at a 20% discount.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamwarnerminton.com
- Email: tam@tamwarnerminton.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tamsanimals and www.instagram.com/travelswithtam
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tamwarnermintonauthor
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/travelwithtam
- Other: www.pinterest.com/travelswithtam
Image Credit:
Tam Warner Minton, Andrea Marshall
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