Since leaving Cranleigh, Kasim Shariff (East 2023) has pursued a strong commitment to marine conservation alongside his Marine Biology degree at Newcastle University.
Now in his final year, Kasim has completed a placement with Northumberland’s Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority, undertaken an international exchange at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology focusing on environmental policy and marine pollution, and volunteered with projects including Stronger Shores and Surfers Against Sewage.
These experiences led him to found The Beach Cleaning Society, a student-led group dedicated to protecting the Tyne and Wear coastline through regular clean-ups and partnerships with universities, councils and environmental organisations. In just two years, the society has grown to more than 110 members, mobilised over 200 volunteers, secured more than £1,100 in funding and removed 248kg of waste across 13.7km of coastline.
Looking ahead, Kasim hopes to continue his academic journey with a master’s degree in marine policy or conservation, applying the leadership, project management and environmental stewardship skills he has developed to help strengthen global marine protected areas.