The Legacy of Bethany “Bee” Smith: A Voice for the Ocean’s Most Misunderstood

Bethany “Bee” Smith (June 2001 – July 2025) was an exceptional marine biologist. At 12 years old, she declared that her mission was to “save the sharks”: a promise she would honour for the rest of her life. What made Bethany truly remarkable was her seamless blend of academic integrity and exceptional public communication. She paired rigorous scientific research on marine animals and conservation with clear, engaging explanations to her 266,000 TikTok followers.

Tragically, Bethany passed away suddenly in late July 2025, while volunteering for a shark conservation charity in Indonesia. Her loss is felt deeply across the global conservation community, yet her impact remains a beacon for future scientists.