Meet Sharks4Kids Ambassador Michelle Eyrich

Based in Dallas, Michelle Eyrich is a corporate executive by day, and moonlights as a freelance writer and content creator focusing on adventure, ocean sustainability & family travel. She advocates solo-parent travel, encouraging mothers to continue nurturing their curiosity and adventure.  She has had the privilege of traveling to over 85 countries across seven continents and diving in more than 13 countries. 

Her love affair with the ocean began in Papua New Guinea, where she grew up exploring pristine coral reefs. Those early encounters with marine life shaped the explorer she is today: a diver, writer, and advocate dedicated to showing how adventure and conservation can coexist. Through her storytelling, she hopes to inspire others to explore the underwater world, particularly women and minority populations.

Check out her adventures on INSTAGRAM or her WEBSITE

1. What is your favorite shark, and why?

I love them all, but I have a soft spot for the Great Hammerheads. Diving with them was one of my favorite life experiences, and it was extraordinary to see their uniquely shaped heads in real life. To have that eye on the end of the cephalofoil (the “T” shape) wink at me was a true joy. I’d love to have their eyesight for a day, to see the ocean through that depth of field and range in the vertical plane.

2. What is one species of shark you would like to dive with?

I’m itching to dive in Western Australia, where there are many different species of wobbegong sharks. First of all, how can you not love that name, "wobbegong"? It comes from an Australian Aboriginal word that means "shaggy beard". But secondly, there are so many different patterns on the various species - tasselled, spotted - and they look so unlike what we commonly think of when we say “shark”. They are one of the most fancy-dressed sharks!

3.  Why do you want to teach students about sharks?

I’m based in Dallas, a landlocked city. Far too many kids, particularly those from minority backgrounds, don’t have access to ocean experiences or confidence in the water. Without that, they might never imagine a career or hobby related to the ocean. I want to share my love for the sea with this population specifically and, hopefully, inspire a few kids to develop a passion for the ocean and sharks.  

4. Can you tell us a little about your experience with sharks ( diving, research..etc) 

I’ve always been in awe of sharks during my recreational dives. Then, in 2023, my corporate job selected me to participate in an Earthwatch expedition, supporting Mote Marine Laboratory’s shark tagging survey as a citizen scientist. Working alongside researchers in the field opened my eyes to the critical role sharks play in ocean health and the considerable threats they face. It was there that I met Candace Fields, who introduced me to Sharks4Kids, and I’m thrilled to help inspire the next generation to understand and protect these incredible animals as an educator. 

5. What is one thing you wish everyone knew about sharks?

I wish people knew that sharks don’t swim around the ocean looking for people to munch on, and in fact, it’s not all that common to cross paths with them. We divers/shark lovers often have to try hard to have a sighting!

6. What is the most incredible moment you have had with sharks?

The only encounter I’ve had with a whale shark was utterly unexpected. It was the end of a multi-day dive trip in the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park (Mexico), and we’d had 4 days of extraordinary dives. As a joke, when the divemaster said, “What would put this trip over the top?”, I jokingly said, “A whale shark!”  Less than 10 minutes after we began to descend, my wish arrived - and stayed with us, hanging out, for a full 30 minutes! It was every bit as magical as I’d always hoped. He and I were eye to eye as he swam past me, checking each other out (sending telepathic love!). It’s an absolute miracle I didn’t run out of air that day from pure excitement!