Bath resident Liz Sandeman is the co-founder of Marine Connection, an organisation dedicated to the conservation, protection, and welfare of dolphins, whales, and porpoises globally. As an authority on cetaceans, Liz was recently interviewed in national media following concerns around Reggie the dolphin in Lyme Bay this summer. We spoke with Liz to learn more about her love of Bath and her work with Marine Connection…
What first inspired you to dedicate your life to dolphins and whales?
From a very young age, I was captivated by the ocean; its vastness, its mystery, and the incredible life it holds beneath the surface. That fascination only deepened as I grew older and had the chance to explore the underwater world first-hand, snorkelling and diving. But, one encounter over 30 years ago truly changed the course of my life: meeting Fungie, a wild yet sociable solitary dolphin off the coast of Dingle, Ireland.
In the late 1980s, I joined an action group determined to bring an end to the captivity of cetaceans in the UK. We campaigned tirelessly, and successfully helped shut down the country’s last three dolphinariums. That experience cemented my role as an advocate, and I’ve continued to speak out against the keeping of dolphins and whales in captivity ever since. Fuelled by this passion, I went on to co-found Marine Connection.
What are the biggest challenges facing dolphins today, both in the wild and in captivity?
Two of the most pressing issues are entanglement in fishing gear and nets, and plastic pollution. Additionally, climate change is taking a toll. Warming ocean waters disrupt the currents dolphins rely on to find prey, pushing their food sources further away or reducing availability altogether.
Another often-overlooked issue is the capture of wild dolphins for entertainment. This practice breaks apart complex social structures and causes immense psychological and physical stress. In a recent incident, four bottlenose dolphins were captured in Japan to be used in the entertainment industry, highlighting that this harmful practice continues today. Protecting dolphins requires global awareness, stronger conservation laws, and a shift toward more sustainable human practices.
Tell me more about the closure of the last three captive dolphin facilities in the UK?
It was a landmark moment, and to this day, the UK remains free of captive dolphin facilities. That’s something to be proud of. But my feelings are mixed. While three dolphins from two of the closed facilities were given the chance to be rehabilitated and released into the wild in the Turks and Caicos, others weren’t so fortunate. Some were sent to dolphinariums in Europe, where they remain to this day, still alive, still performing, just in a different tank.
Are you able to share any campaigns you are currently working on at Marine Connection?
One of our current campaigns is focused on raising public awareness about the plight of five dolphins being kept in appalling conditions in Malta. These dolphins are confined to tiny, dirty tanks with no shade from the scorching sun, and we’ve been urging the Maltese Government to step in, as they have the legal authority to enforce real and lasting change. I’ve also been working closely with authorities in Lyme Regis to ensure that Reggie, the solitary dolphin, receives the protection he needs.
What simple steps can our readers take to help protect dolphins and whales?
We welcome volunteers with a wide range of skills to support our work. On a personal level, individuals can help protect dolphins and whales by eliminating fish from their diet as fishing gear entanglement is the biggest daily threat to these marine mammals. Reducing plastic consumption and avoiding facilities that keep dolphins or whales in captivity are also powerful ways to make a difference.
You’ve recently made Bath your home. What drew you here?
After living in London for over 30 years, I felt it was time for a change. I had visited Bath many times for weekend breaks and had always loved the friendly city, so I decided to relocate, and it’s a decision I have never regretted.
What are some of your favourite spots in Bath and why?
Living in Weston Village offers me a gift: a scenic route into town that never fails to inspire. My route takes me through the serene Victoria Park. From there, I pass the iconic Royal Crescent, a stunning testament to Georgian architecture that captures the city’s timeless elegance. I also love Great Pulteney Street, being surrounded by graceful townhouses that tell stories of centuries past.
What do you most enjoy about day-to-day life in Bath?
One of the things I truly love is that I can be working in the office, then step outside and, within 10 minutes, find myself immersed in nature on the Cotswold Way. The balance between city life and the countryside is something really special. I also enjoy the variety of entertainment and dining options the city has to offer. But what I love most is the friendliness of the people. It gives the city a real sense of community.