Eleonora de Sabata
A Life Dedicated to Marine Conservation, Photography and Fighting Sea Pollution
Eleonora de Sabata is an internationally renowned journalist and photographer, specialized in marine topics and committed for over thirty years to environmental protection and scientific research. She has dedicated her career to study endangered marine species and combating marine pollution. In this interview, we will explore her journey and the projects that have defined her career.
"How did you start your career?”
My passion for the sea started very early – I grew up sailing and spending time at sea thanks to my Dad’s deep love for the oceans. But my career as a marine journalist and photographer blossomed in a rather unexpected way. During a youth relationship, I had the chance to get closer to the underwater world through a boyfriend who was a diver. Although the relationship didn’t last, that period of my life allowed me to fall in love with the underwater world and discover a fascinating world that I became passionate about. This encounter with the underwater world marked the beginning of a journey that would lead me to focus on photography and scientific outreach. Over time, this passion evolved, and I found myself merging my career with marine environmental protection. It led me to devise and coordinate several conservation and research projects.
"Throughout your career, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?"
Making a living in sea-related professions is never easy, but my work is incredibly rewarding for several reasons. The fact that my work can contribute to changing mindsets and behaviours toward the protection of the seas gives me great satisfaction. Despite the challenges I’ve faced, such as the need to raise awareness about marine conservation and the fragility of marine ecosystems, every step I take toward greater recognition and respect for the marine environment has a lasting impact.
Every challenge is an opportunity for growth and seeing the tangible results of the research and conservation actions I’m able to carry out makes me even more motivated to continue down this path. My work allows me not only to contribute to science and the protection of marine ecosystems but also to raise awareness on key issues for our future, making it all very fulfilling.
"What is the project you are most proud of? And what makes it so special to you?"
I have a deep affection for every project I’ve worked on, and each one holds a special place in my heart.
However, two stand out to me. One of the projects I’m most proud of is Clean Sea Life, the European Commission’s flagship initiative focused on tackling marine pollution. It was an incredible honour to see this project win the LIFE Awards in 2022, a recognition that highlighted its significant positive impact on marine ecosystems.
Another project close to my heart is the one I’m currently working on, LIFE European Sharks, which is dedicated to safeguarding Mediterranean sharks, particularly those species that are in danger of extinction. We are working to make sure that protected species are effectively managed. Moreover, we are collaborating with professional fishermen to find ways of fishing more sustainably; so that those species, which are endangered but not yet protected, have the chance to recover. Thanks to the people who live and work at sea, we are discovering critical zones for the survival of the species and then involve authorities to protect these vital areas. But everyone can help sharks and rays: we may not be aware of it, but many traditional recipes list these animals as main ingredients – even those that now endangered! Therefore, we are trying to raise the awareness of people and chefs to prefer more sustainable fish species instead of sharks.
"What motivates you to do the work you do?"
One of the key reasons I do this work is to inform people about what is happening beneath the surface, which is often hidden from view. Through projects such as MedFever, which aim to bring attention to the impacts of climate change on the Mediterranean Sea. It is an innovative project that involves a network of underwater sensors that measure the temperature of the Tyrrhenian Sea every 15 minutes. This initiative is crucial for understanding how global warming is affecting submerged ecosystems, as satellite data cannot capture the temperature at depth. The goal is to gain vital insights into the dynamics of the sea, improving predictions about climate impacts and the well-being of marine organisms.
By integrating citizen into the project, we are also empowering local diving communities to actively participate in monitoring and protecting the marine environment. This collaboration is a fundamental part of the mission to engage the public in environmental action. I believe that by sharing what we learn about the hidden world under the waves, we can inspire people to take ownership of our oceans and be part of their preservation.
Eleonora says: "If it had been easy, someone would have already done it". This reminds us that only through constant commitment and resilience can we truly make a difference. Let us never give up in the face of difficulties, because every step forward matters in the fight for a more sustainable future.
From BlueGirls a big thank you to Eleonora for sharing her journey and her dedication to marine environmental protection. Her continued commitment inspires professionals, enthusiasts, and citizens around the world, and we hope it will be inspiring for a lot of Blue Girls!
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