Andrea Richey: Sharks, Consumption, Careers of Passion, and the Hong Kong Shark Foundation (#97)

Andrea Richey is the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation. After decades as a corporate lawyer, Andrea realized that she wanted to give back more in life, and found her passion in saving sharks in the very epicenter of the shark fin trade. Through her work, Andrea has educated thousands of students, created lasting change in her community, and, through her TED talk, reached thousands more. One of the biggest takeaways from Andrea’s story is that you don’t have to have a degree or be “qualified” to save our oceans– you just have to care- and ✨take action.✨

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Quick Links
Chondrichthian
Shark Finning
Hong Kong Shark Foundation
Abalone
Sea Cucumber
Fish Maw
Pangolin
Jenga
Jaws
Peter Benchley
Shark-free companies campaign
Shak ambassadors campaign
Shark-free wedding campaign
Squalene
WWF
CITES
WildAid
Rob Stewart
Racing Extinction movie
Andrea’s TED Talk

Show Notes

0:09 Andrea is the executive director of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation. From the corporate world to shark conservation, she begins with explaining that her passion started when she recognized the importance of the cause. Andrea also explains that even without a marine biology background or scuba certification, anyone can contribute to marine conservation. 

5:33 Andrea shares the quote: “Educators are like farmers and they’re spreading the seeds of change.” In her work at Hong Kong Shark Foundation, she lives by this quote and truly believes that education about conservation issues is the key to giving back to our planet.

6:08 Andrea shares that she became passionate about shark conservation because she realized the importance of sharks in ocean ecosystems. Living in Hong Kong she saw how integrated shark consumption was culturally and felt that she needed to be a part of the solution instead of the problem.

11:54 Andrea discusses that the education strategy she uses emphasizes the global shark crisis and that the possibility for change is within our hands. By saying no to shark products, reading product labels, voting with our dollars, and bringing awareness to the issue, change can happen to help protect shark populations.

12:58 The shark ambassadors program by Hong Kong Shark Foundation that Andrea supports allows children at both local and international schools to bring awareness to shark conservation, raise money for the cause, and give back to the sharks. Through her talks at various schools, Andrea discusses both the problems that sharks are facing as well as the solutions, keeping in mind the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

18:17 While living on a sailboat in the Bahamas, Andrea first encountered a nurse shark which she recalls as a beautiful but slightly scary experience. She discusses the misconceptions she had about sharks as a product of negative media representation. Both Kara and Andrea share some interesting statistics about the low probability of shark attacks and mention the importance of educating divers.

23:22 Andrea discusses some major issue that cumulatively acted as a catalyst to becoming an activist for shark conservation, animal rights, and marine ecosystem protection. Kara and Andrea discuss the importance of knowing the source of where your food comes from and emphasize the issues associated with the commercial fishing and meat industry.

36:00 Many products or foods that we wouldn’t expect contain shark. Andrea brings a few of these products to our attention including fish and chips in some areas and beauty products. She also discusses that shark consumption is happening all over the world including Asia, Europe, and South America. 

40:18 Andrea talks about the shark-free companies initiative by the Hong Kong Shark Foundation. This initiative allows them to partner with corporate organizations to promote a shark-free culture. This ensures that employees are able and required to refuse the consumption of shark at various events to end the shark consumption culture that is common in China.

48:22 Building communities, making connections, and bridging gaps is a very impactful way to make change. Andrea discusses some strategies that are useful to implement change including pledges, petitions, and protests. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has brought some challenges to conservation initiatives in recent times.

1:00:50 Unsurprisingly, Andrea’s favorite sea creature is the shark! More specifically, the great white shark.

1:01:54 To Andrea, the ocean means life, beauty, calmness, and most importantly hope. 

1:04:15 With a blank cheque Andrea would put it all towards education and further funding the shark ambassador program. 

1:07:48 Andrea shares the story of how she got the name Hong Kong shark lady. By inspiring children, she has been able to see change blossom as they share the message to family members.

1:10:00 Andrea’s conservation ask is to get involved, connect, and learn more about shark conservation!

1:13:58 Connect with Andrea!