Bethany Smith: The Life, Legacy, and Mission of a Shark Conservationist Who Changed the Seas
Bethany Smith, lovingly known as Bee, was a remarkable British shark conservationist whose passion, courage, and storytelling transformed the way thousands of people understood the ocean. Though her life was short, her impact was profound. With a rare mix of scientific rigour, compassion, and creativity, Bethany Smith dedicated herself to protecting marine life—especially sharks—and educating the world about their importance. Her work continues to inspire conservationists, educators, and ocean lovers around the globe.
Early Passion and the Making of a Conservationist
Bethany Smith’s connection to the sea began at an early age. Even as a child, she spoke confidently about her dream to “save the sharks, because someone has to.” This clarity of purpose guided her through her education and shaped her identity as a scientist, communicator, and conservation advocate.
Academic Excellence and Scientific Curiosity
Bethany studied Biology at the University of Oxford, completing a four-year integrated Master’s degree with outstanding academic results. Her master’s project demonstrated her ability to combine innovation with scientific depth. She developed a methodology to assess the vulnerability of threatened shark species caught as bycatch in industrial fisheries—an area where data is notoriously limited. This research reflected her commitment to bridging knowledge gaps in shark conservation.
Bethany Smith’s Role in Marine Conservation
Bethany Smith embraced conservation through multiple channels—academic research, filmmaking, community engagement, and powerful digital communication.
A Voice for Sharks on Social Media
Under her well-known platform Bee Loves The Sea, Bethany used social media to make sharks accessible and understood. She produced more than 50 engaging videos, combining humour, scientific insight, and emotional storytelling. Her content accumulated millions of likes and inspired many young people to take an interest in marine conservation.
Public Engagement and Education
Bethany appeared on BBC’s Springwatch, speaking about British shark species and promoting marine awareness. She also served as an educator with Sharks4Kids, delivering energetic and informative presentations to children and adults. Her communication style was widely admired—scientifically accurate yet deeply engaging.
Groundbreaking Fieldwork and Exploration
One of the most impressive aspects of Bethany Smith’s career was her field research, which demonstrated her bravery, curiosity, and commitment to discovering the truth about the ocean’s most misunderstood animals.
Documenting the Rare Megamouth Shark
Bethany led expeditions to locations including Taiwan, where she helped document the elusive megamouth shark—one of the rarest creatures on the planet. With only around 200 confirmed sightings worldwide, Bethany’s confirmed encounters made her one of the few researchers to have studied this species closely.
Filmmaking and Community-Centred Conservation
Bethany believed in empowering coastal communities. She created documentary projects in the Azores and collaborated with local fishers to promote sustainable practices. Her filmmaking was not only artistic but served as a bridge between scientific knowledge and human connection.
Professional Growth and Future Aspirations
Following her graduation, Bethany moved to Cornwall to remain close to the ocean. She continued supporting conservation research, worked in consultancy, and refined her academic work for publication.
A Promising PhD Journey Ahead
Bethany had secured a competitive scholarship to begin her PhD at the University of Southampton. Her proposed research aimed to investigate the ecological roles of sharks and develop socially just conservation strategies. She envisioned a world where scientific understanding and public perception aligned to protect vulnerable marine species.
Her goal was clear: to bridge the gap between media portrayals of sharks and real scientific knowledge.
Tragic Passing and the Legacy of Bethany Smith
Bethany Smith tragically passed away in 2025 at the age of 24 while volunteering in Indonesia. She was supporting conservation initiatives that helped local shark-fishing communities transition to eco-tourism—a cause she cared for deeply. Her death was sudden and devastating for those who knew her and for the global marine conservation community.
Honouring Her Mission
Bethany’s legacy lives on through her research, her films, her educational work, and the countless young people she inspired. An environmental award has been established in her name to support students pursuing conservation research—ensuring that her passion continues to shape the future.
Quick Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bethany “Bee” Smith |
| Known As | Bee / Bee Loves The Sea |
| Profession | Shark Conservationist, Marine Educator, Filmmaker |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Integrated Master’s in Biology, University of Oxford |
| Special Focus | Shark conservation, megamouth shark research, marine awareness |
| Notable Achievements | Documented rare megamouth sharks; Educator with Sharks4Kids; BBC Springwatch appearance |
| Social Media Presence | @beelovesthesea (Instagram, TikTok, X) |
| Planned PhD | University of Southampton (shark ecology and conservation) |
| Place of Death | Lombok, Indonesia |
| Year of Death | 2025 |
| Age at Death | 24 years old |
| Legacy | Bethany Smith Environment Award; influential marine conservation content |
Conclusion
Bethany Smith’s story is not only about conservation; it is about courage, curiosity, and compassion. She proved that one person, fuelled by purpose, can change how the world sees sharks and the oceans. Though her life ended far too soon, her legacy remains powerful. Bethany Smith reminds us to remain hopeful, stay curious, and protect the beauty of our blue planet—because, as she believed, someone has to.
FAQs
1. Who is Bethany Smith?
Bethany Smith, widely known as Bee, was a British shark conservationist, filmmaker, educator, and marine advocate who dedicated her life to raising awareness about sharks and ocean protection. She combined scientific research, public engagement, and digital storytelling to inspire global audiences.
2. How old was Bethany Smith?
Bethany Smith was 24 years old at the time of her passing in 2025. Despite her young age, she made a remarkable impact on marine conservation and inspired thousands of people through her work.
3. How did Bethany Smith die?
Bethany Smith tragically passed away in 2025 during a marine conservation activity. She was involved in ocean-based fieldwork when she encountered a sudden and fatal diving-related incident. Her death deeply affected the conservation community that admired her passion and dedication.
4. Did Bethany Smith die in Indonesia?
Yes. Bethany Smith passed away in Lombok, Indonesia, where she was volunteering with a conservation initiative working closely with local shark-fishing communities. She died while contributing to the cause she cared about most—protecting sharks and supporting sustainable marine practices.
5. What was Bethany Smith known for before her death?
Bethany Smith was known for her groundbreaking shark research, her documentation of rare megamouth sharks, her engaging social media platform Bee Loves The Sea, and her dedication to marine conservation. She was admired for blending scientific accuracy with creative communication, making sharks accessible and fascinating to the public.
