In 2023 , I was invited to be on a panel celebrating women in ocean advocacy hosted by the Commonwealth Blue Charter. You can watch the recording above.
In celebration of World Ocean Day, the Commonwealth Blue Charter, in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, will be spotlighting women in ocean sciences, from a policy, education, and community perspective.
https://thecommonwealth.org/events/shes-making-waves-celebrating-women-ocean-advocacy-science-and-blue-economy
Every year on June 8, the world celebrates World Oceans Day, a moment to reflect on the importance of the ocean in our daily lives and our responsibility to protect it for future generations. Covering more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, the ocean provides food, livelihoods, climate regulation, recreation, and inspiration. Yet despite its importance, our oceans face growing challenges from pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change.
For me, World Oceans Day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of why I chose a career in aquaculture and why I continue to dedicate my time to education, community building, and creating opportunities for the next generation of marine scientists and innovators across the Caribbean.
Growing up on an island, the sea was always present. It shaped our culture, our food, our economy, and our sense of place. Like many Caribbean people, I developed an appreciation for the ocean not only as a natural resource but as a source of identity. As I pursued a career in marine science and aquaculture, I began to understand both the immense opportunities and the vulnerabilities that exist within our ocean ecosystems.
Today, much of my work focuses on promoting sustainable aquaculture—the farming of fish, shellfish, and seaweeds. Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors in the world and has the potential to help address food security challenges while reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. When practiced responsibly, aquaculture can contribute to healthy oceans by providing alternative sources of seafood and supporting coastal economies.
Through the Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub CAEIH, I work to connect students, scientists, farmers, educators, and industry leaders who share a vision of a stronger and more sustainable blue economy. Our goal is to increase awareness of aquaculture as a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) discipline while creating pathways for young people to explore careers connected to the ocean.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is seeing students discover that the ocean offers far more than traditional careers in fishing or tourism. The ocean needs engineers to design farming systems, biologists to study marine organisms, entrepreneurs to create businesses, communicators to tell important stories, and policymakers to develop regulations that protect marine resources. The future of ocean stewardship depends on people from many disciplines working together.
World Oceans Day also highlights the importance of innovation. Across the Caribbean, researchers and entrepreneurs are exploring new opportunities in seaweed farming, marine conservation, and sustainable seafood production. Seaweed farming, in particular, has captured my attention because of its potential to support coastal livelihoods, create new business opportunities, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Seaweeds require no freshwater, fertilizers, or feed inputs, making them an attractive option for many island nations seeking climate-smart solutions.
Education remains at the heart of everything I do. Whether through organizing networking events, developing online training courses, mentoring students, writing articles, or speaking at international conferences, my mission is to make ocean science accessible and relevant. Knowledge empowers communities to make informed decisions about how they use and protect marine resources.
As someone who now lives in the diaspora while maintaining strong ties to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, I often reflect on the ways oceans connect people across continents. The Mediterranean and the Caribbean may be separated by thousands of miles, but they face many of the same challenges and opportunities. Both regions depend on healthy marine ecosystems for food, culture, tourism, and economic development. Both can learn from each other’s experiences in marine conservation and aquaculture.
World Oceans Day is also a reminder that small actions matter. Supporting sustainable seafood, reducing plastic waste, participating in beach cleanups, educating young people, and advocating for science-based policies are all ways individuals can contribute to healthier oceans. Meaningful change occurs when communities come together around a shared commitment to stewardship.
As we celebrate World Oceans Day, I am hopeful about the future. I see students eager to learn, scientists pursuing innovative research, entrepreneurs creating new opportunities, and communities recognizing the value of their marine resources. These efforts give me confidence that we can build a more resilient and sustainable relationship with the ocean.
The ocean has given so much to the Caribbean. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure that future generations inherit healthy seas, thriving coastal communities, and a vibrant blue economy. That vision continues to inspire my work every day.
Happy World Oceans Day.