Volvo Ocean Race crew member Henry Bomby appointed Ocean Ambassador by the National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is delighted to welcome professional sailor Henry Bomby (26) as a National Marine Aquarium 'Ocean Ambassador’.

Competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, which sees seven crews sail around the world, Henry's participation goes beyond sailing. As part of the Turn the Tide on Plastic team, Henry and his crew mates are supporting scientific research by collecting water samples to investigate micro plastics in our oceans - often in parts of the world that are rarely analysed due to their distance from land.

Henry now joins the NMA in flying the flag for its mission of connecting us with our oceans and promoting pro-ocean behaviour, creating healthier oceans for the benefit and enjoyment of all. Becoming an Ocean Ambassador, alongside his exciting race aboard the Turn the Tide on Plastic sailing yacht, provides Henry with a great opportunity to share his passion for the oceans and why we should all look after them.

As an Ocean Ambassador for the National Marine Aquarium, Henry will act as an extended member of the Aquarium's Discovery and Learning team to help deliver its mission by sharing vital information on topics such as overfishing and plastic pollution. Through his personal experience and connection with these subjects, along with the expert information he will learn from the NMA's team, Henry will be well equipped to inspire the nation to think about their actions for the greater good of our oceans.

Hailing from Kingswear, Devon, Bomby grew up sailing from a young age, taking on his first offshore adventure at the age of 18, single-handedly circumnavigating Britain. Following this adventure Henry was selected into the Artemis Offshore Academy – Britain’s centre of excellence for solo offshore sailing and competed in four gruelling La Solitaire du Figaro single-handed, multi-stage races. No stranger to the ocean environment, Henry has completed five ocean crossings and has been part of the record setting crew holding five World Sailing Speed records on-board trimaran, Phaedo3.

Based in Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium is the UK's largest aquarium, welcoming more than 300,000 people to visit its 4,000 marine animals every year. It is an educational charity with a sustainable mission, that through its educational programmes and Husbandry research projects, is committed to creating a healthier ocean environment, now and in the future.
 
Roger Maslin, CEO of the National Marine Aquarium, commented: “Passionate people are what makes the NMA tick, an individual like Henry is a perfect addition to our wider team.  He will keep everyone informed of his progress during the race and will use his experiences as a platform to expose the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean.

“There are many worrying statistics regarding the amount of plastics in our seas and it is safe to say that this is a growing problem. However, the problem is a solvable one if enough people act together. Henry’s real life and real time voyage is a chance for our visitors to connect with the ocean and begin to understand that this vast ecosystem needs our help.”

Henry added: “I am excited to join the National Marine Aquarium's team as an Ocean Ambassador.  Through my racing and crossing of multiple oceans, I’ll be able to provide insight and updates from deep within them – the Volvo Ocean race takes me places which aren’t accessible for many so sharing the experience and insights will be my key goal. The ocean is where I compete, it's my pitch, my court, my race track – seeing firsthand the pollution and impact of plastic and other rubbish has driven me to support change. Through the sport of sailing, my experiences and life at sea, I hope to inspire the younger generation and with the help of the NMA’s Discovery and Learning programme to encourage others to protect our oceans and promote the message of ocean health.”