Issue 116 - January 2025

Marine Thomas, The Associate Director of Conservation at The Nature Conservancy in Hong Kong

Marine didn’t always know her career would lead to ocean conservation, but her connection to nature has been a constant since childhood. At 13, scuba diving became a transformative experience that ignited her fascination with the underwater world. Yet her journey into conservation was far from straightforward. After earning a business degree in Paris during the 2008 financial crisis, Marine took a pragmatic step into the luxury fashion industry. Working for renowned brands like Longchamp and Chanel, she climbed the corporate ladder. However, her father’s sudden passing became a turning point. Confronted with the realization that her job allowed her only three days to grieve with her family, Marine reassessed her priorities and set out to find a deeper purpose.

Taking a year off to travel, Marine reconnected with her love for nature and diving. A documentary on shark finning sparked a lightbulb moment, solidifying her desire to transition into conservation. Volunteering with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) gave her invaluable hands-on experience and clarity on how she could make an impact. That role inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Management at the University of Hong Kong. Determined to build her knowledge and skills, Marine navigated this intense period while raising her newborn daughter, working part time, and wrapping up her dissertation, showcasing her resilience and commitment to this innate passion.

Today, as Associate Director of Conservation for TNC’s Oyster Restoration Initiative in Hong Kong, Marine is leading efforts to revive the city’s once-thriving shellfish reefs, which are critical for water filtration, marine biodiversity, and coastal protection. In the challenging low-visibility waters of Lantau Island and the Pearl River Delta, Marine and her team collect and analyze oyster samples, filling crucial knowledge gaps and developing strategies to rehabilitate these vital ecosystems. She is also spearheading efforts to have oysters recognized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List for Ecosystems in Hong Kong, a significant step toward prioritizing shellfish reef conservation globally.

Marine firmly believes that people cannot protect what they don’t love—and they cannot love what they don’t experience. So through her work, she’s on a mission to help Hong Kong residents see the beauty and importance of marine ecosystems like shellfish reefs, fostering a shared sense of stewardship. For Marine, this effort is deeply personal. Her greatest motivation is her daughter and the sobering thought that her generation may never experience coral reefs or marine life as they exist today. Yet Marine’s message is one of hope and urgency: by reconnecting people to the natural world and igniting their passion for conservation, we can drive meaningful change and build a future where humanity and the ocean thrive together.

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Verena Gill M.S., The Supervisory Biologist at NOAA Fisheries’ Protected Resources Division Alaska

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Johanne Defay, a French Professional Surfer at the World Surf League

Issue 116 - January 2025

Women in Conservation – SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – Issue 116 – Jan 2025

Scientists Document Rich Biodiversity Along Underexplored Chilean Coastline

An international team of scientists on board a recent Schmidt Ocean Institute R/V Falkor (too) expedition surveyed nearly 20 methane seeps, some of which are new discoveries, and four submarine canyon systems previously never before seen by humans. Read more…

Navigating the High Seas: Career Reflections and Lessons in Ocean Conservation from Kristina Gjerde

I write this piece for all the aspiring young women (and men) wanting to work in ocean conservation but unsure of where to begin or even unsure of themselves. I’d therefore like to share some of the lessons I’ve learned to encourage you on your important journey. Read the full article…

From Canvases to Currents: An Art Curator’s Call to Protect Our Seas

Becoming a contemporary art curator kind of fell into place for me. Back in university, I realized pretty quickly that being an artist wasn’t my path, but I absolutely loved being part of the creative process and working with artists. Read more…

Dr. Abbrar Labban, an Environmental conservation specialist for the Conservation of Coral Reefs & Turtles in the Red Sea

Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Abbrar’s connection to the sea began early, with childhood vacations spent snorkeling and swimming along the pristine Red Sea coast-a place not many international travelers have had the chance to explore. Read more…

Dr. Vanessa Robitzch, a Communication, Citizen Science, & Outreach Program Manager for Conservation of Coral Reefs & Turtles in the Red Sea

Originally from San Andres Island in Colombia’s Caribbean, Vanessa’s journey in science began in Germany, where she studied Biology and earned a master’s in Aquatic Tropical Ecology. She completed her PhD in Marine Sciences at KAUST in Saudi Arabia. Read more…

Lisa Uttal, a Science Outreach and Media Coordinator at NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS)

Over the past 40 years, Lisa has dedicated her career to marine science and education in Monterey Bay, where she has become a leader in connecting people to the vibrant ecosystems that exist just below the surface. Read more…

Jamie Fitzgerald, an Ocean Conservationist & Partnerships Lead at Edges of Earth Collective

Jamie works with nonprofit and for-profit organizations to drive lasting change by building partnerships, designing campaigns, and creating innovative solutions around critical causes. Read more…

Sea Briganti, The Founder & CEO of Loliware

By driving demand for ocean-farmed seaweed, Loliware supports the livelihoods of coastal communities, promoting regenerative ocean farming practices that restore marine habitats and capture carbon. Read more…

Dr. Carol Buitrago-López, a Coral Restoration Program Manager at SHAMS

By joining SHAMS’s initiatives to unite cutting-edge science, local expertise, and community-driven action, Carol is helping to chart a sustainable future for coral reefs-both in the Red Sea and beyond. Read more…

Dr. Laurenne Schiller, a Marine Conservation Scientist at Carleton University & Dalhousie University

By combining statistical modelling with knowledge held by both fishers and fisheries managers —she was looking to uncover the types of relationships and incentives that lead to surprisingly positive outcomes in fisheries management. Read more…

Tatiana Weston-Webb, a Brazilian Professional Surfer at the World Surf League

Tatiana is a trailblazer in using her platform to amplify the fight for a healthier planet. She doesn’t view her role as just excelling in the sport, but as leveraging her visibility to address the urgent challenges our oceans face. Read more…

Verena Gill M.S., The Supervisory Biologist at NOAA Fisheries’ Protected Resources Division Alaska

Known for her collaborative style, Verena integrates field data, public outreach, and cross-agency partnerships, working alongside researchers, citizen scientists, and policy-makers to advance the conservation of these “canaries of the sea.” Read more…

Marine Thomas, The Associate Director of Conservation at The Nature Conservancy in Hong Kong

Johanne Defay, a French Professional Surfer at the World Surf League

Beyond her competitive accomplishments, Johanne is passionate about sharing her love for surfing and her commitment to ocean conservation. She’s not only a mentor to aspiring surfers but also an advocate for teaching sustainable practices in and out of the water. Read more…

Kiku Ezaki, The President at the Kaito Yumin Club

Kiku Ezaki is a celebrated figure in Toba, Japan, where her family-run ryokan and her leadership at the Kaito Yumin Club connect both locals and visitors to the ancient traditions of the Ama—Japan’s renowned women freedivers. Read more…

Molly Picklum, an Australian Professional Surfer at the World Surf League

As one of the rising stars of women’s surfing, she sees her role as more than just competing—she’s a steward of the ocean and working to inspire young women around the world to do their part in protecting the places that they love. Read more…

Jenny Luksch, a Social Media Manager at Scuba Schools International (SSI)

One of her standout projects, the SSI Global Ambassador Program, highlights the journeys of nine influential divers from around the world who embody SSI’s conservation values, inspiring others to dive responsibly and with purpose. Read more…

Gabriela Bryan, an American Professional Surfer at the World Surf League

Gabriela’s involvement highlights her belief that surfers have a responsibility to protect the very ecosystems that fuel their passion. Whether participating in coastal restoration efforts or raising awareness about the importance of eliminating single-use plastics. Read more…

Hafsa Jamel, a Program Manager at the Lanka Environment Fund

For Hafsa, partnerships prove to young conservationists that sustainable development can be achieved through creative and collaborative problem-solving, and can be led by local leaders on the ground. Read more…

Bettylou Sakura Johnson, a Hawaiian Professional Surfer at the World Surf League

During the Pipeline competition, she worked alongside Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, a decade-long WSL partner focused on inspiring communities to care for their coastlines through beach cleanups, education, and advocacy. Read more…

Naw Ruth, a Dive Instructor & SSI Ambassador at DIVEIndia

Ruth decided to build up her skills as a diver, see what was sitting right below the surface of her home island, and start to bring people closer to conservation in a country that isn’t often known for its efforts in this area. Read more…

Brisa Hennessy, a Costa Rican Professional Surfer at the World Surf League

As someone whose livelihood depends on the health of our oceans, Brisa views giving back as an integral part of her role, both as an athlete and as a global citizen. Read more…

“Animals on Vacation,” a Poem by By Catherine Puma

There on the beach, both animals and humans are enjoying their vacation. Inland, the humidity is stifling, but at the coast, there’s a refreshing energy. In this poem, you’ll find the connection between humans and nature, where they’re drawn to the beauty of the coast. Read more…

Sumana Deni, a Local Representative Positive at Change for Marine Life – Gizo, Solomon Islands

Sumana, a proud member of the Gizo community, is leading a remarkable transformation for the island’s waste management and conservation efforts. Gizo, known for its exceptional reefs and rich cultural heritage, is one of the Solomon Islands’ most stunning but fragile environments. Read more…

Laura Scussolini, a Designer, a Divemaster, & an Ocean Advocate at SSI Blue Oceans Program

Laura’s ultimate goal is to show that anyone, regardless of their background, can contribute to ocean conservation, by merging her design expertise with her passion for the sea. Read more…

Dr. Josie Palmer, a Sea Turtle Conservation Specialist at the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs & Turtles in the Red Sea

Inspired by SHAMS’ mission to conserve one of the world’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems, Josie is committed to addressing complex conservation challenges through adaptable, research-supported management strategies. Read more…

Dr. Lauren Smith, a Marine Biologist, Elasmobranch Specialist, & Environmental Project Manager at Shark & Skate Scotland & Saltwater Life

Lauren’s fascination with skates stems not only from their ecological importance as apex and mesopredators, which help maintain balance in marine ecosystems but also from the mystery surrounding their biology and behavior. Read more…

Judith Castro, The Voice of Cabo Pulmo at Cabo Pulmo National Park

As a third-generation member of a family with deep ties to Cabo Pulmo’s fishing traditions, Judith has witnessed the community’s journey to protect their waters, facing countless challenges and achieving remarkable triumphs along the way. Read more…

Tara Scarborough, Chief Resilience Officer at Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute

Her work involves partnerships with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society, the University of Belize’s Environmental Research Institute, the World Wildlife Fund and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Read more…

Holly Lohuis, Marine Biologist, Naturalist, Marine Educator, & Inspirational Speaker at Island Packers

Known for her extensive knowledge of the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary, she currently serves as a naturalist and guide with Island Packers, the Channel Islands’ official boat concessionaire. Read more…

Fátima Pérez Neira, Marine Biologist & Founder at Elasmobase Azores

Her journey to study marine life led her to embrace both a profound respect for the natural world and a deep understanding of the vital, interconnected roles that various species play in sustaining ocean ecosystems. Read more…

Taylor Masnjak, Co-Owner & Naturalist at Get Up & Go Weeki Wachee

Taylor’s warmth and dedication is ever present in every aspect of her work, making her one of the most genuine and passionate advocates for Florida’s manatees. Co-Owner of Get Up and Go Weeki Wachee, she has built one of Florida’s top-rated eco-tourism companies, beloved by visitors Read more…

Dr. Sonia J. Rowley Evolutionary Marine Biologist & Associate Researcher University of Hawai’i at Mānoa

Dr. Sonia J. Rowley is a pioneering marine biologist whose expertise in gorgonian octocorals (commonly known as sea fans) and technical diving is advancing our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and climate resilience. Read more…

Jill Heinerth Cave Diver, Underwater Explorer, Writer & Filmmaker Royal Geographic Society

From navigating the iceberg caves of Antarctica to mapping the world’s longest underwater cave systems in Mexico, Jill’s expeditions have redefined what’s possible in technical diving. Read more…

Ashley “Peach” Bueche, Dive Director & Diving Safety Officer at Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI)

For Ashley “Peach” Bueche, diving is a gateway to inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates. Growing up with a passion for outdoor education and marine science, Peach’s journey led her to the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) over a decade ago. Read more…

Jessica Morten, Marine Resource Protection Officer at California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“CMSF”)

Jess leads marine resource protection efforts at CMSF, where she also serves as a NOAA affiliate supporting the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries’ West Coast Region in its groundbreaking whale conservation initiatives. Read more…

Sarah Hameed, Blue Parks Director & Senior Scientist at Marine Conservation Institute

a scuba diver, Sarah Hameed, is diving in Santa Barbara, California

She leads the Blue Parks initiative at Marine Conservation Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans by establishing highly protected marine areas, ensuring their ecological integrity, and promoting effective stewardship. Read more…

Dr. Jenn Caselle, Research Professor Marine Science Institute at the University of California Santa Barbara

Dr. Jenn Caselle Research Professor Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara

Her studies on larval dispersal and fish movements have provided invaluable insights into how marine populations adapt and thrive, shaping the foundation for Marine Protected Area (MPA) management. Read more…

It Begins with the Ocean Biome

Empowering Nature, Empowering Women: The Story of Rewilding Chile

Chile, with its diverse landscapes, from the soaring Andes to the windswept Patagonian plains, is a treasure trove of biodiversity. However, human activity has disrupted these delicate ecosystems. The movement to restore balance to damaged ecosystems, known as rewilding, is gaining momentum around the world, and at the forefront of this movement are a growing number of strong female leaders. Read more…

Conversations with Women in Conservation: Journeys With Purpose

At Journeys With Purpose, we are proud of the strong women behind our team. In this feature, you’ll meet Eliza Norris, Head of Operations, Sophie Gandet, Head of Community, and Natalia Sánchez, Head of Marketing. Let’s get to know them...

The Power of Women in Conservation: A Journey of Impact in Kenya with Journeys With Purpose

This powerful scene resonated deeply with our guests, bonding them through a unique experience. It mirrored the journey of the remarkable women they encountered and were surrounded by, fierce protectors and nurturing caregivers, navigating complex challenges with strength and eloquence. Read more…

Iron Fertilization for Carbon Sequestration, Exploring Its Potential and Risks

As the climate crisis intensifies, scientists and policymakers are exploring innovative strategies to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. One approach, iron fertilization, proposes to enhance the ocean’s natural ability to sequester carbon by stimulating the growth of phytoplankton. Read more…

UNESCO has Mapped 4,500 Species Thanks to Its Pioneering eDNA Programme

UNESCO’s groundbreaking environmental DNA programme has mapped nearly 4,500 marine species across 21 World Heritage sites around the world, providing new key data and a revolutionary method for stronger ocean protection in an era of rapid climate disruption. Read more…

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Signing up for our free weekly newsletter and jobs list will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs board.

To sign up for free, click here or email us.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

Issue 116 - January 2025

It Begins with the Ocean Biome

By Laura Guertin, Penn State Brandywine, Media, PA, USA

My inspiration for this quilt came from an unexpected event – a virtual podcast discussion about world biomes.

Back in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing the temporary closure of my university and a local arboretum, a colleague and I started hosting biweekly Zoom sessions with members from both communities. This was the start of an online podcast club, where we developed curated, nature-themed podcast listening lists for participants to listen to before our Zoom gatherings. The topic for one of our discussions was World Biomes, which was a suggestion from one of our regular podcast club participants. During a prior discussion, when we asked our participants for suggestions about topics for future weeks, one attendee shared that world biomes would be a good topic, as there’s a “pointlessness of saving the pandas if you don’t start by saving the biome.”

We set up a list of six podcasts and seven questions for our community to listen to and to reflect upon. When we came virtually together, we had a great hour-long discussion among our 13 participants. Towards the end of the session, many of the attendees were questioning what we could do for biomes, what the next steps could be for each of us to take. Keeping in mind the “pointlessness of pandas” and thinking what action I could individually pursue, I decided to make a quilt.

Before the pandemic, I recalled going to a local fabric store and seeing several flannel fabrics that had messages printed on them with the words “save the dolphins” and “save the sea turtles.” I thought this might be an interesting fabric to tie into the take-home message from our discussion of starting with the biome. So I ordered some fabrics online and created my first pandemic quilt, dedicated to the ocean biome.

The center of the quilt represents the biome, containing images of plants and animals from the ocean. Then around the center square are the messages of saving various animals that are popular with people (dolphins, sea turtles, belugas, sea lions). I intentionally have the words pointing outward from the center square, emphasizing the focus in the center (the biome) and where we need to start our conservation efforts, and then moving out to the individual species and those efforts necessary for protection.

This quilt measures 40 inches by 40 inches and was completed September 20, 2020.

About The Author

Distinguished Professor Laura Guertin holds a Ph.D. in marine geology & geophysics from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and has served as faculty at Penn State Brandywine (Media, Pennsylvania, USA) since 2001. With a passion for science outreach, she taps into creative approaches such as quilting to engage audiences in learning about Earth science and its applications.

Featured Front

Genuine Ocean Protection: 100 x 50

By Deborah Rowan Wright

Can we set a longer-term target aiming to safeguard the whole global ocean from harmful exploitation and land and sea-sourced pollution by 2050?

Young male humpback whales, Moorea, French Polynesia Credit: Ron Watkins / Ocean Image Bank

Genuine ocean protection begins in the mind. I believe we need to question our entire approach to protecting the marine world and turn our reasoning on its head.

When it comes to the ocean, today’s guiding political and economic principle can be summed up like this; “commercial exploitation of the sea comes first, but we will allow some protection”. We’re expected to be grateful when governments designate pockets of safeguarded sea, in the form of marine protected areas. The reality is they throw the beleaguered ocean a bone and keep extractive industries happy, because they’re freely able to over-exploit the rest of the sea. And all the while government, business and industry break international law every day by letting the destructive activities continue.

Adding insult to injury, many protected areas are not a safe haven for marine life anyway. It could be because the regulations aren’t enforced, or because restrictions on harmful activities are so minimal they make no difference. Take the UK’s nonsensical ruling to allow destructive bottom trawling within a protected area, which makes a mockery of its marine conservation policy.

The alternative guiding principle of the sea should be;
“ocean protection comes first, but we will allow responsible and respectful exploitation”. Having unpolluted, healthy life-filled seas will then take priority. Human-driven damage and destruction will stop over ALL of the ocean and not just in parts of it.

The rationale for setting a target of 100% ocean protection rests on law, logic, technology and ethics:

Because 100 x 50 is already established in law

The global ocean has been protected by binding international law since 1994, by articles 61;117- 120; 192-216; 242-244 of the United Nations Law of the Sea (the USA hasn’t yet ratified the Treaty but follows it as customary international law). But failure to enforce the law has allowed industries to empty seas of wildlife, pollute waters, destroy habitats and exacerbate the impacts of the climate crisis. While low-lying and fishery-dependent coastal communities face serious economic, climatic and ecological impacts due to governments not taking action sooner.

Mangroves, Orpheus Island, Australia Credit: Matt Curnock/ Ocean Image Bank

Because partial protection doesn’t stop the ocean’s destroyers

Designating marine protected areas and marine reserves can be invaluable in enabling habitats to regenerate and wildlife to return and the collective campaign to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 will be a huge step forward when the target is reached. But it won’t stop the primary cause of ocean decline – which is the ruinous over-exploitation of marine resources – and that will be able to continue in the other 70% of the ocean. The threats will persist and we won’t have solved the problem.

Because use we can

With today’s technologies and expertise, enforcing laws and regulations is possible across the globe. Methods include; preventing landing catches in port, withdrawing operating licenses, impounding catches, prosecuting crew members or ship owners, and imposing fines or custodial sentences. At sea, coast guard, naval and former fishing vessels can be part of a patrolling force, monitoring activity and intercepting vessels breaching regulations.

Using satellite technology, organisations like Global Fishing Watch can track the locations, identities, engine power, tonnage, crews, voyage records, and more of around 70,000 commercial fishing vessels around the world. As history shows, when social progress laws are enforced, more enlightened attitudes and new norms of behaviour follow. Putting ocean protection law into action will enable an ocean-respectful culture to develop.

Because it’s right

There are many practical reasons to manage our use of the sea putting nature first. Low-impact, sustainably managed fisheries for example, yield more fish than over-industrialised, over-exploited ones.

There’s also a compelling moral incentive for radical change. Many human activities in the sea are wasteful and extremely cruel. In 2019, at least 230,000 tonnes of fish were dumped in EU waters, most of which was due to indiscriminate capture by bottom-trawling. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 35% of fish, crustacean and mollusc catches are wasted.

Abandoned fishing gear is a deadly menace worldwide. Over 700,000 tons of ghost gear is left in the ocean every year, inflicting incalculable cruelty and death on marine life. Shark finning is a brutal and cruel practice, killing a staggering number of sharks every year, estimates ranging from 70 to 100 million. Losing so many top predators also seriously disrupts the ecological balance in the sea.

A united, cross-sector, cross-border campaign to pressure governments to honour their Treaty commitments by 2050 could see the whole marine environment protected (as it should have been for 30 years).

The anticipated gains of protecting the whole ocean from over-exploitation and destructive practices are plain to see: diminishing pollution and cleaner seas; coral reefs, kelp and mangrove forests regenerating; seas and skies filling with wildlife.

With well-managed fisheries, those who fish for a living or work in related trades will have more to eat and sell, plus employment for the long term. There’ll be more to spend on housing, education and health care, making millions of people better off, healthier and happier.

The global ocean is also Earth’s undisputed champion in confronting the climate crisis. A robust and resilient ocean can absorb heat and atmospheric CO2 and mitigate serious impacts such as ocean acidification, far more effectively than a weakened and depleted one.

Following the original proposal published by Marinet in 2012 (the Principle of Worldwide Marine Protection) the book Future Sea considers how 100% ocean protection could be reached, drawing on international law, successful fisheries management, conservation programmes, law enforcement systems, citizen action, and suggesting lifestyle changes that everyone can make towards marine conservation.

‘All at once eye-opening, thought-provoking, rage-inducing, and empowering, Future Sea is an excellent read for ocean lovers’. Marine Biologist

‘The freshest, most sensible, most optimistic perspective I’ve seen in a long time’. Drew Harvell, Cornell University

‘Rejecting piecemeal strategies, Rowan Wright encourages total ocean protection’. Science

‘The urgency with which she makes her case is utterly convincing. Future Sea is a galvanising book’. The Inquisitive Biologist

‘This book is too important not to be read by the general public, marine scientists, conservationists, representatives of marine-based industries and especially politicians’. The Biologist

About The Author

Deborah Rowan Wright is an independent researcher who writes about ocean conservation policy. Her work on marine renewable energy, public trust law, and ocean governance reform has been published by the International Whaling Commission and The Ecologist, among others. She is currently working on twin campaigns: to achieve a UN Declaration of Ocean Rights and for Ecocide to be recognized as the 5th International Crime.