Artivist Series - Shelby Thomas
Shelby Thomas’ organization Ocean Rescue Alliance International works to restore marine ecosystems. The non-profit constructs artificial reefs that become living sculptures. They’ve installed more than 300 modules, some in the form of mermaids, off southern Florida. They are ideal spots for coral restoration, marine life, for research and tourism. Shelby is the latest guest on the Wo(men) Mind the Water Artivist Series on womenmindthewater.com.
Artivist Series - Merle Liivand
Merle Liivand is an aquapreneur, plastic pollution reduction advocate, Guinness World Record holder and mermaid. The Estonian-born swimmer holds several Guinness World Records her latest was achieved on April 15, 2023, in a little over 14 hours. Merle swam 50 kilometers using a monofin, a record setting swim for the longest distance swum using a monofin. It's a feat because she swam the distance without using her arms by undulating her lower body up and down mermaid-style.