News / Oceans
Bristol mermaid crowned Mrs Ocean World UK
A Hengrove-based ocean advocate has won a national conservation title.
Hannah Fairhall, known as mermaid Hannah Pearl, was crowned Mrs Ocean World UK 2026 at the national finals. She also took home two other awards: ‘Best Eco Costume’ and ‘Best Talent’.
The competition aims to recognise women who lead real-word ocean conservation impact and community engagement.
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Speaking to Bristol24/7, Hannah said: “I’m so happy I could bring it back to Bristol because we’re leading the way on everything to do with saving the oceans and we’re a really green city.”
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The finals brought together advocates from across the UK and each were judged on environmental knowledge, public speaking and sustainability leadership.
Hannah said: “It’s just a really great platform for women to talk about marine conservation on a bigger scale.”
The activist has spent her time recently leading ocean advocacy in the city and hosting mermaid-themed storytimes.
She has also been involved in community litterpicking around Bristol with her local group, the Whitchurch Wombles.
The moment Hannah Pearl was crowned Mrs Ocean World UK 2026 – Andrew Mee
Talking about what inspired her advocacy, Hannah shared: “About twenty years ago in Thailand, I saw the coral reefs weren’t colourful or bright, just sort of brown and silent and there was more plastic on the beaches than shells.”
“So now I use my mermaid persona Hannah Pearl to talk to kids about the ocean to make them fall in love with it and want to protect it.”
Mermaid Hannah Pearl appeared at the Festival of Nature in 2025 – photo: Ania Shrimpton
Moving forward, she plans to lead a series of initiatives including community litter picks, mermaid story-time events and a new online children’s game focused on marine conservation challenges.
Hannah will also continue to deliver story sessions in schools, libraries and community hubs alongside practical activities designed to show families how small actions can create visible change.
Main photo: Ania Shrimpton
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