Thalassophile Project

What do a Basking Shark, Eagle Ray, Remora, S***m Whale and Sea Cucumber have in common? 🤔

They are part of the 90 new British Sign Language (BSL) signs created by the Scottish Sensory Centre’s UK Sign Development Team at The University of Edinburgh, as part of the EU-funded Marine, Underwater, Fish For Inclusion (MUFFIN) Project—and the ones Rebecca Hegedűs taught our group during the Marine Sign Language Workshop we led last week 👋🏼

We are pleased the session sparked meaningful discussions between students and staff, many of which are already translating into action—from leaving the front row free in lecture theatres, to live captioning, to more inclusive fieldwork practices.

The bottom line is accessibility is the first step towards true belonging and in STEM. It will only work when we are all an active part of the conversation and take the time to understand how each of us can contribute to a more inclusive higher education environment.

Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged so openly!

Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your expertise and lived experience so generously—we are so grateful to have you on our team 💙

And thank you to ExeterMarine for facilitating the workshop and ensuring we continue to break barriers to and education.

Yesterday was International Mother Tongue Day—a perfect opportunity to celebrate the diversity of native languages and the importance of preserving them.

Rewilding BSL with new specialised signs is a crucial step to bridge the gap in communication and empower BSL users to contribute and participate fully in ocean conservation.

In the words of Dr Audrey Cameron, a Chancellor’s Fellow in Science Education and BSL, and MUFFIN Project Lead: "This is not just about creating new signs for complex terms—it is about fostering a deeper connection between people and the marine environment."

Curious to learn more? Find and explore the full collection of MUFFIN Project marine signs in our Resource Hub and at www.ssc.education.ed.ac.uk/BSL/marinehome.html

Happy learning! 🌊
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ID 1: Two white women stood to the left of a presentation screen. The woman on the furthest left is Rada. She has long, wavy, dark hair and is wearing smart trousers and a navy blue jumper. The woman stood next to her is Rebecca. She is shorter, with long blonde hair, wearing black trousers and a dark long sleeve top. The presentation room has white walls. The screen shows the title slide for the presentation. Text on a light blue background reads: "Sensing the Sea Series. Marine Sign Language Workshop". It features the MUFFIN Project and Thalassophile Project logos, as well as the University of Exeter one at the bottom of the slide on a pale sandy coloured background banner. There is a cartoon white man using British Sign Language in both bottom corners of the slide, signing 'sea' and 'dolphin', respectively.

ID 2: This image is taken from the back of the presentation room. Rebecca is stood at the front of the room gesturing to a presentation slide. The slide shows a QR code and details about the MUFFIN Project. A few people are sat around group tables facing away from the camera.

ID 3: Rebecca is stood next to presentation screen which shows a video screenshot from a BSL video guide series for marine life. The one featured in the photo is the BSL sign for 'Basking Shark'. A photo of a basking shark (large grey shark with large mouth for filter feeding) is in the top left corner. A picture of Rebecca holding her hands up to her mouth together in a circle shape is also shown on the screen to demonstrate the sign.

Video Description: Rebecca is presenting at the front of the classroom. The presentation screen has been turned off and the video is taken from the back of the room. She is teaching the BSL for S***m Whale. People sat round group tables can be seen copying the sign to learn.

For the ‘s***m’ sign, the dominant hand is positioned near the forehead and moves downward in a smooth diving motion to meet the non-dominant hand, which is held flat near the chest with the palm facing outward. This movement shows the large, curved head associated with a s***m whale.

For the ‘whale’ sign, the non-dominant hand and arm is held horizontally in front of the body to represent the flat surface of the sea. The dominant hand is shaped with the thumb and little finger extended and the three middle fingers folded down. It starts above the ‘sea’ hand and moves downward in a curve motion, passing beneath the flat hand to show a whale diving into the sea.

Happy Valentine’s Day, thalassophiles! 🌊💙

💙 To celebrate our love for both our beautiful and its people (that’s you!), we’re excited to share an improved version of our logo!

💙 Our fish’s tail is now clearly heart-shaped, symbolising the love, empathy, and care driving our work.

💙 Love is our greatest superpower and a universal language, reminding us that everyone deserves access to the joy and awe the sea inspires in us—regardless of their background or circumstances.

That’s why we also wanted to share a quote by writer, educator, and trainer for transformative and disability justice, Mia Mingus, which perfectly encapsulates what we stand for. She writes:

“I would argue that ‘disability justice’ is simply another term for love. And so is ‘solidarity,’ ‘access,’ and ‘access intimacy.’ I would argue that our work for liberation is simply a practice of love — one of the deepest and most profound there is. And the creation of this space is an act of love.”

👉 Read more about her wonderful work at the following link: https://share.google/2eBn2N9GWUt9v332X

💙 We are committed to creating accessible and inclusive blue spaces because meaningful ocean conservation begins with belonging.

Join us in building an and tell us what you love most about the sea 🌊💙


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ID 1: The image shows the logo of the Thalassophile Project. It features a stylised fish whose body resembles a conch shell. The shell represents the D/deaf community, referencing the common cultural idea of holding a shell to the ear to “listen to the sea.”

The eye of the fish is placed within the opening of the shell, representing the blind and partially sighted community. The fish’s tail is clearly heart-shaped, symbolising the love, empathy, and care at the heart of the project’s mission.

The conch shell is a darker shade of blue, while the fins and eye are lighter blue. At the bottom of the logo, the text reads “Thalassophile Project.”

ID 2: The image depicts a quote over a light and dark blue water colour background. Text is a quote by Disability Justice Activist, Mia Mingus, which reads: "I would argue that “disability justice” is simply another term for love. And so is “solidarity,” “access,” and “access intimacy.” I would argue that our work for liberation is simply a practice of love—one of the deepest and most profound there is. And the creation of this space is an act of love."

The bottom of the page says "Mia Mingus—Disability Justce Advocate"

As a proudly women-led organisation, International Day of Women and Girls in Science is especially important to us 👩🏿‍🔬🌊

Today, we’re spotlighting two phenomenal women in STEM who have been our role models in championing and — 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻 and 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗺𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿.

Read more about their pioneering work and tell us about a woman in that you admire.

We’d also like to celebrate and thank all the amazing women in marine science who have supported us over the past four years — you are at the heart of this mission, and your care and commitment continue to shape our work 💙

Let's continue to ocean engagement and participation together! ✊🏼🤟🏾


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ID 1: Title slide with a light and dark blue water colour background. The Thalassophile Project logo is in the top left corner — it is a light blue shell icon resembling a fish on a white background. To its right is the date 11 February.

Text reads: "International day of women and girls in science. Meet two of our greatest inspirations in STEM." There is then a white arrow icon in the bottom right corner pointing to the next slide.

Two female scientists are in the bottom of the page. The one on the left is Dr Amy Bower — a white woman with shoulder-length dark hair. She is wearing a small chain necklace and a white top that has a black arrow shape round the neckline.

The lady on the right is Dr Caroline Solomon. She is also a white woman with shoulder-length, curly, dark hair and is wearing a sleeveless black top with a white sun pattern.

ID 2: The background is the same light and dark blue water colour image from slide 1.

There is an image of a woman called Dr Caroline Solomon pictured on the bottom right side of the slide. She is a white woman with shoulder-length, curly, dark hair, wearing a sleeveless black top with a sun pattern.

Text reads: "Aquatic ecologist Dr. Caroline Solomon is a professor of Biology and Director of the School of Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health at Gallaudet University.

She is the first female president of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, where her teaching focuses on bringing d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing stufents into STEM".

ID 3: The background is the same for this slide, a light and dark blue water colour image.

A photo of Dr Amy Bower is on the bottom right side of the slide. She is a white woman with shoulder-length dark hair. She is wearing a small silver chain necklace and a white top that has a black arrow shape round the neckline. Text reads: "A physical oceanographer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Dr. Amy Bower is known for her research on ocean circulation and her advocacy for improved accessibility tools and equal access to information for blind scientists.

As the founder of OceanInsight, Dr. Bower enables blind students of all ages to fully engage in science and follow her research through audio postcards from her expeditions, creating meaningful opportunities for access and participation."

In the bottom of the page is the link to the OceanInsight webpage: https://share.google/zoEuAIRzXCBg1Smcq

ID 4: The same light and dark blue water colour background. Text is a quote from Dr Amy Bower which reads: "If they don't ever meet a blind scientist, they're never going to think that they can be one."

🌊 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲? 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 — 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂!

We've had many new faces join us recently, so we thought it was time for a reintroduction! And what better way to do that than by sharing the comprehensive poster our founder, , presented at the conference in London last week.

We have also uploaded a PDF version of the poster with alt text at the following link: https://tr.ee/8-L71YS2Xm

Thalassophile Project works at the intersection of social and environmental justice, with the goal of restoring society's relationship with the Ocean by making and accessible for people who are d/Deaf and/or blind. This mission is reflected in the poster, which walks you through the resources developed as part of the Thalassophile Project Partnership — bringing together adult education and social justice NGO Interchange.eu and accessibility experts from Istituto dei Sordi di Torino.

This collaboration led to the development of our 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀, 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 and 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯, all of which you can find on our website https://www.thalassophileproject.org/.

What started as a dream and personal mission to bring more people from underrepresented groups into marine conservation has evolved into a leading platform championing and 🐚✨️

We look forward to continuing this work, breaking even more barriers to participation and bringing more people on board because "the Ocean is diverse, therefore its champions should be, too" — words by the amazing Dr .

🌊 Explore our resources, share them widely, and engage with us — together we can build a more inclusive future for marine science, ocean literacy and conservation.

UN Ocean Decade | Ocean Literacy Unesco IOC
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Image Description 1: A full view of the Thalassophile Project poster in blue, yellow, and orange. The poster outlines accessible marine science initiatives, including educational videos with sign language, a resource hub, factsheets, and a common accessibility framework, with images and QR codes throughout.

Image Description 2: Rada Pandeva, a white woman in her 20s with long curly brown hair, stands beside a large conference poster titled “Thalassophile Project: Universally Accessible Marine Science & Ocean Literacy", featuring bright colours, diagrams, photos, and QR codes in an indoor conference setting.

Image Description 3: A printed conference abstract titled “Thalassophile Project: Universally Accessible Marine Science & Ocean Literacy”, authored by Rada Pandeva, describing the project’s aims, accessibility focus, and partnerships, with Coastal Futures 2026 branding.

Image Description 4: Close-up of a conference name badge reading “Rada Pandeva – Thalassophile Project” and “Coastal Futures 2026,” displayed on a textured mustard-coloured surface.

🌊 Come along to the next edition of the 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮 Series!

👉🏼 Join us for an interactive workshop exploring inclusion, accessibility, and our shared connection to the Ocean.

👉🏽 Learn ocean-themed British Sign Language ( ) signs and take part in a conversation about breaking barriers in and for d/Deaf communities.

👉🏾 Led by Rada Pandeva, founder of the Thalassophile Project, and Rebecca Hegedűs, MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology & Conservation student, this session will highlight the challenges faced by people with disabilities in ocean science and share practical ways to make learning spaces more inclusive and welcoming.

👉🏿 No prior BSL knowledge needed — just curiosity and a willingness to learn together.

ℹ️ Open to all University of Exeter and Falmouth University students and staff. Please register using your .ac.uk or .ac.uk email via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sensing-the-sea-series-ocean-themed-bsl-workshop-tickets-1974948327612

We can’t wait to sea you there! 🌊

University of Exeter Cornwall | ExeterMarine

Happy 2026, thalassophiles — long time no sea 💙

2025 has been a year of growth, and while we’ve been quieter on social media, a lot has been happening beneath the surface.

This year, our work was endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade. We attended , contributed to discussions on ocean literacy, and joined ’s webinar, focusing on bridging the gap between Ocean access and disability.

We thought we’d also share some moments from the past months that we haven’t yet had the chance to highlight:

🌀 April: We presented at the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva, advocating for genuine inclusivity, accessibility, and youth participation in Ocean policy.

🌀 September: We returned to Tromsø for the wrap-up of ECOCARE and the launch of a new project partnership, bLYSs, rooted in empathy, compassion, and care — moments that reminded us why connection and community matter.

🌀 Along the way: We faced some barriers, and we’re deeply grateful to our friend Freyja, who stepped up to represent our mission at the 12th Annual European Marine Science Educators Association Conference in Ostende — and even made the beautiful friendship bracelet you see in slide one.

🌀 October: We joined ’s H2O Lounge in Brussels, contributing to conversations on Blue Citizenship and supporting collective action for a more ocean-literate society.

🌀 Later in the year: We launched Sensing the Sea 🌊 — a new campaign inviting deeper, sensory connections with the Ocean. We’re currently developing an upcoming workshop with our newest ambassador, Rebecca, taking place in early February. Stay tuned…

We have exciting plans for 2026 and can’t wait to share more. For now, we’ll keep making waves behind the scenes — advocating for an and championing — because the Ocean is our greatest ally against climate change, and she needs each and every one of us to join superpowers for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

We’re heading to Brussels next week for the 𝗛𝟮ϴ 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲 – 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🇪🇺💧

The H2ϴ Lounge, an EU4Ocean Challenge of the Year winner, by L'eautelier (), is a mobile civic space designed to make ocean literacy tangible, participatory, and rooted in place 🌊

Through public installations across five European regions, the project invites citizens to explore their rights and responsibilities toward water through art, education, and co-creation.

Come along to the Brussels edition and:
💧 Co-create the Blue Citizenship Flag – an algae-dyed symbol of community commitment on seaweed textiles
💧 Hear about Thalassophile’s mission and how we’re empowering Blue Citizens
💧 Join a dialogue on local water issues and help shape a pledge to the EU Mission Charter
💧 Try some delicious regional Blue Foods

🗓️ Tuesday 14 October
🕘 09:00 – 13:00 CEST
📍 Ravenstein Gallery

Sounds like your cup of sea?

🔗 Register now: https://luma.com/i8sn68vx

Thalassophile Project turns four today! 🎉

Since 2021, we’ve been on a wild and wonderful journey to ensure everyone can express their —by making and accessible to all, no matter their language, background, ability, or location. We believe there should be no barriers to exploring, caring for, and connecting with the Ocean. 💙

Thank you for being part of these amazing first 4 years. Here’s to many more waves of love, learning, and action! 🌊

Celebrate with us by sharing what makes you a thalassophile! 🐚✨️
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Image Description: A hand showing the number 4 in Sign Language, over a blue Ocean background. Text reads: “Happy Birthday Thalassophile Project!”

The third United Nations Ocean Conference has come to an end, and we wanted to share some reflections and takeaways from our time in Nice 🇫🇷🌊

Firstly, huge thanks to Sounds of the Ocean, Interchange.eu and ECO_CARE for supporting our attendance and always championing our work 💙

🔹️ We had an incredible time supporting the event by ECO_CARE, Earth Law Center and Stop Ecocide International on co-creating Ocean stories through the unique lens of puppetry and law—an inspiring reminder that advocacy for the Ocean can, and should, take many forms. From art to science, policy to performance, our methods must be as diverse and creative as the communities we work with.

🔹️ We were also honoured to contribute to the Ocean Literacy Unesco IOC discussion on the at the Beyond Borders Pavilion, where we explored the barriers many still face in Ocean spaces—and how we can begin to break them down, together 🔗

If you’re part of an ocean literacy organisation—or working to make Ocean spaces more just, inclusive, and accessible—we’d love for you to join the Blue Thread community. Let’s build this movement together! Learn more here: https://share.google/nROMUDoIgNZ7tWCwf

👉 Swipe to the final slide for two beautiful visual summaries: one by the amazing Alessandra () capturing the essence of our Blue Thread conversation, and another by the fantastic F***y () reflecting on UNOC as a whole—created during the Océano Azul Foundation and Protect Blue event on the final day of the conference.

🔹️ The power is in the people. When we come together with a shared goal, we can change the world for the better. But many voices and conversations were missing from UNOC—and there’s still a long way to go before the Ocean truly becomes an inclusive space for all. We need to keep each other accountable, challenge norms, and empower everyone to do better.

The Ocean connects us all—so let’s make sure it includes us all, too.

We’re so excited to be heading to the Conference in next week! 🐚✨️

A huge thanks to for granting us access to the Blue Zone! We’ll be using this opportunity to continue elevating voices too often left out—especially those of people with disabilities and youth. The Ocean needs everyone, and it’s high time decision-making spaces truly reflected that.

🔹️Catch Rada playing a plastic bag (yes, really!) at the Co-Creating Ocean Stories joint event with Earth Law Center, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, and Stop Ecocide International on , 8 June, at 14:00 CET at NOW Studio.

🔹️Then, on 11 June, join us in the Green Zone “La Baleine” at the Beyond Borders Pavilion for the public presentation of Blue Thread!

Get in touch if you'd like to connect and drop a comment below with any other exciting events that shouldn’t be missed!

Sea you in Nice! 🇫🇷🌊


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Will you be attending ?

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 is here! 🎉

We are thrilled to share this very special UN Ocean Decade-endorsed Open Access publication with you! 📘

Designed with love, passion and accessibility in mind and heart, The Ocean Literacy Toolkit unites cross-disciplinary experts in building skills and knowledge for all through engaging multisensory activities—with the ultimate goal to restore humanity's relationship with the . 🫂

We especially want to highlight 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟳, 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, written by our dear thalassophile friend , founder of .spectrum and .initiative. Dana's beautiful words embody everything we stand and advocate for, and we couldn't be more proud of her and the work she does in this space! 💙

Additionally, 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟴, 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆, features over 20 adaptable, downloadable, and fully accessible activities designed to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the Ocean while fostering meaningful connections among people.

Rooted in , , and , this book is a must-read for ocean educators looking to bridge the gap between people and the Ocean. 🌊

A heartfelt thank you to the whole .uit team, especially Margherita and Laura, for the opportunity to be a part of such a special project 💙

Access the book via the following link: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-78062-2

Check out the video summary, too: https://youtu.be/-aUECQo9haw?feature=shared
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