Laurel Irvine

Shark Allies Development and communications director

Laurel Irvine is Shark Allies’ Development and Communications Director. As a Los Angeles native and lifetime advocate of the oceans, Laurel grew up with summers in Santa Monica Bay and extended visits to the Hawaiian Islands and French Polynesia. Her appreciation and respect for sea life started with the green sea turtle program in Kona and the ancient aquaculture of Kalahuipuaa. Laurel’s love for those that live in ocean realm grew while studying at University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. There she narrowed her environmental scope to a focus on the Great White sharks in Southern Australia after diving with them for the first time. The Great Barrier Reef and importance of all ecosystems pushed her to certify as a PADI Divemaster back home in California. With her degree in film production from Boston University, Laurel has a deep passion for film and underwater cinematography. Upon graduating college, she worked for years in production for feature films and television in Los Angeles, but quickly felt the need to fill the void of protecting the ocean and sharks, and volunteer where she could. Laurel jumped on board with Stefanie and the team after watching a short film at the Patagonia Film Festival, and is now solely focused on Shark Allies. She spends her weekends diving the Channel Islands and volunteering at Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, a hospital for sick and injured California Sea Lions and seals. The biggest thing she has learned over the years is that it is your responsibility to protect what you love and you will succeed.