ABOUT

I’m Siobhán O’Connor (Sib), a part-human/part-mermaid that grew up in gumboots and togs on the wild West Coast of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Te Waipounamu (South Island).

The unstoppable flow of the Kawatiri Awa and rugged kiss of the Pacific Ocean sparked an affinity for the life and species around me, and I’ve been passionately immersed in their presence ever since.

‘What Sib Seas’ was born when I took my first breath underwater. I was fortunate in experiencing this weird and wonderful world below and wanted to share its awe with those around me. After a year exploring in Aotearoa and beyond, I jumped head first into a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. I’ve been hooked on environmental communication ever since.

I’ve been taste-testing all things purposeful and expanding my experience and passions well beyond the depths of the ocean. In 2023, I was one of 22 Antarctic Heritage Trust 'Inspiring Explorers" who ventured to remote South Georgia Subantarctic Island, supported by programme partners Royal Society Te Apārangi and Te Ratonga Tirorangi MetService. 

Some other highlights include; joining an international research team conducting oceanic research in the South Pacific Ocean, working directly for New Zealand’s Secretary for the Environment, educating and inspiring primary school students about climate change, and representing Aotearoa on the global World Ocean Day Advisory Council.