But that hasn't stopped her from forging a career as a environmental scientist at Charles Sturt University or being one of the contributing artists for the Art for the Ocean exhibition.

The exhibition is on Saturday March 14 at Death Do Us Art gallery on Flynn Street Port Macquarie.

For Rachael, the chance to participate in the exhibition is a continuation of her life-long love affair with the ocean.

"My mum thought I was crazy wanting to be a marine biologist but I have a great affinity to the ocean," she said.

"I also grew up loving whales, admiring Jacques Cousteau and wanting to undertake marine research.

"I love the water - because all water is connected.

"Despite being born and raised in Nebraska - which actually means flat water in the native Indian language - I was destined to be involved in the ocean."

And that's fortunate because her middle name is Marlin.

Alongside her love of the ocean, Rachael has been drawing and painting from a young age.

Growing up her dream job was to work at Disney or be an ocean explorer.

She says the ocean comes naturally to her through "my work and the artistic side".

"I have produced a number of pieces of art over the years including one piece that one first place in a national Wetland Care Australia award.

"It depicted a kayaker showing the different uses of the ocean.

"My art shows the beauty of the ocean and I try to encourage people to think about the many positive uses for the ocean.

"I know there are some artists - environmental activists-type artists - whose works show more of the damage being done to our oceans.

"However my works are more about protecting the beauty of the oceans and waters," she said.

"We are part of nature; we need water to live."

Rachael, who is also a volunteer with Coastal Warriors, says we need to take better care of our water systems.

She warned against flushing medicines and other products into the waterways and said plastics were also a major concern.

"You have to change people's choices over a long period of time through education," she added.

She said people should stop thinking that the ocean is a big dumping ground too.

"My husband is a cliff climber and he finds dumped rubbish dating back to the 1950s. So it really does matter what we dump and where."

Saturday's exhibition is presented by the Seabin Foundation and will include the screening of the Patagonia film Never Town.

The film explores some wild coastlines and talks with the people fighting to keep them wild.

Part of the night includes raising awareness on the Seabin Foundation and the sharing of data and knowledge for the wider community.

Art For The Ocean will feature local artists and photographers sharing their work and appreciation for the ocean.

The exhibition is at Death Do Us Art on March 14, 5pm until 7pm at Port Macquarie's Flynns Beach under Blue Whale Thai.

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