Our Story & Team

Merryn is an Environmental and Marine Scientist with a deep passion for the ocean and its inhabitants. She believes fostering a love and appreciation for the marine environment is one of the most powerful ways to inspire its protection. Merryn has been part of the team at Out of the Blue Adventures for over five years, sharing her enthusiasm through marine ecotourism and education. Merryn is also the Project Officer for NSW TurtleWatch, a statewide marine turtle conservation program across New South Wales. Her role includes coordinating turtle monitoring and nest protection programs, supporting community education, and contributing to scientific data collection for conservation efforts. An experienced marine educator and ecotourism guide, Merryn also works with Dolphin Research Australia, supporting marine conservation, cetacean research, and outreach initiatives. With more than 15 years of experience in marine turtle research and conservation, Merryn is passionate about inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates through education and meaningful connections with the marine environment.

Olly is a marine biologist (BScHons) with over 15 years of experience specialising in sea turtles, seabirds, and broader marine ecosystems. With a strong foundation built over 12 years living and working in the Byron–Ballina region, Olly has developed deep local knowledge through hands-on conservation management, including leading work with Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue (ASTR).
Now working internationally, Olly focuses on conservation and education through tour guiding and community engagement, with current efforts supporting remote communities in Papua New Guinea to strengthen locally led marine conservation initiatives.

Alice Forrest is a Marine Biologist and wildlife guide, with a passion for the natural world and the creatures who inhabit it (especially cetaceans). As a researcher but also a divemaster & freediver, she’s a firm believer in the need to communicate the science as well as the intrinsic value of the ocean and what’s beneath the surface. After completing a Bachelor of Science (Biodiversity & Conservation) and Bachelor of Marine & Antarctic Science (with Honours), she has worked on seas and oceans around the world. Her research focused on marine plastic pollution, discovering the most plastic-polluted beach in the world. Since then she has focused on guiding as a way to connect people to wild places & inspire them to want to protect wildlife and the ocean. When she's not guiding with Out Of The Blue, you can find her leading snorkels with whale sharks or manta rays on the Ningaloo Reef, swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, or driving boats and finding penguins on expeditions in Antarctica.

Gian has an eager passion to be in the water and share her knowledge to others. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, beside the beautiful beaches helped develop her love for the ocean, but it was solidified by her fascination of the science behind it all. She fell in love with the marine science subject in her later years of high school and went on to follow her passion south to Byron Bay after graduating. She completed her Divemaster and Scuba Instructors in Byron Bay, whilst also completing a Bachelor of Marine Science on the Gold Coast. Gian rarely has a day off and prefers it that way, she has worked at Julian Rocks almost everyday for over 5 years. She is with Out Of The Blue Adventures for snorkeling in the summer right through to whale watching in the winter. Above or below the surface her genuine excitement for the marine environment is contagious.

Tiani is a marine biologist, underwater photographer, and dive professional. She completed a Master’s degree in Marine Biology at JCU in Townsville, where her research explored the relationships between humans, nature, and photography. After three years in the tropics, she traded the reefs up north for the rugged Byron coastline and quickly fell in love with the area.
With her Psychology background, Tiani is passionate about the connection between people and nature. She believes that meaningful ocean interactions can inspire a deeper connection to the natural world and one another. She is especially fascinated by the smaller details, so be careful asking her about her favourite animals (nudibranchs), because she can talk about them for hours! When she isn't guiding with Out of the Blue Adventures, Tiani also runs underwater photography workshops and expeditions around the world.

Hazel is a dedicated marine wildlife advocate with a strong passion for ocean conservation and animal welfare. As a committed volunteer with ORRCA, she has contributed countless hours to marine mammal rescue efforts, including stranding responses, whale entanglement support, and wildlife rehabilitation. Through this work, Hazel has gained valuable firsthand insight into the threats facing marine life, including entanglement, pollution, and habitat loss.
Alongside her marine mammal rescue work, Hazel is also involved in sea turtle rehabilitation and veterinary nursing, assisting in the treatment and care of sick and injured turtles.
Driven by compassion and a deep respect for the ocean, Hazel is committed to making a lasting impact on marine wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, education, and conservation advocacy.