March 8, 2024
Celebrate International Women’s Day with three Ocean Savers
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BY: Sarah Cameron
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Women from around the world have always been connected to the ocean: taking on roles as fish harvesters, divers, marine biologists and ocean advocates. Efforts to understand and protect the ocean have always been shared by women, including right here at Oceana. Across South and Central America, Europe, North America and Asia are women scientists, fundraisers, technology experts and communicators shaping over 300 victories Oceana has championed to stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales and sharks. Meet some of the incredible women that work right here at Oceana Canada to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Kim Elmslie, Campaign Director
Kim not only leads our campaigns but also loves the water year-round, even embracing chilly ice plunges.
Why did you choose a career in oceans?
My entire professional career has been dedicated to advocacy. I’ve worked on many issues including wildlife conservation and farm animal welfare. The oceans are vital to all life on the planet. I knew that working to protect the oceans would have the biggest impact.
What’s your favourite story from working in ocean protection?
While at Oceana Canada I’ve had the opportunity to work on our campaign to end the import and export of shark fins in Canada. I am proud to have had a role in protecting sharks.
Any advice for woman interested in pursuing an ocean career?
The short answer is do it! Working for an advocacy organization means you can help the oceans no matter what your skill set is – science, law, communications, administration, and more.
Isabelle Jubinville, Marine Scientist
Izzy’s science expertise and enthusiasm for the oceans are essential to many of our campaigns including protecting marine habitat and saving critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Why did you choose a career in oceans?
I discovered a love for the ocean when I was a kid, pursuing that interest all the way through university and graduate school, where I was able to study abroad. I joined Oceana Canada immediately after graduate school, and now I get to work with lots of interesting people to solve the most pressing issues facing our oceans today.
What’s your favourite story from working in ocean protection?
I lived and worked for four months in Costa Rica, protecting and monitoring a sea turtle nesting beach. One morning, I encountered a female turtle laying a nest of eggs. I sat with her for nearly an hour while she did her thing, totally transfixed by what I was lucky to witness. About two months later, 85 tiny baby turtles emerged from her clutch of 91 eggs. Releasing those babies back to the sea is one of my best memories!
Any advice for woman interested in pursuing an ocean career?
Get involved with student or peer societies and organizations during your education. It is so helpful to not only build a strong network of fellow early-career scientists, like-minded classmates and mentors, but also to make some of the best friends you’ll have!
Rachelle Naddaf, Community Engagement Coordinator
Rachelle’s ability to rally all those around her in support of ocean saving has made her essential to growing and engaging communities and campaigning to end plastic pollution.
Why did you choose a career in oceans?
I’ve always felt tied to the ocean. Spending my childhood every summer on the beach at our cottage in PEI. I’d play with hermit crabs and snorkel in the shallows. I pursued a degree in biology and environmental sciences and this ended up pushing me toward ocean conservation. I am so grateful for the varied opportunities that has provided me.
What’s your favourite story from working in ocean protection?
There are so many but if I have to pick one! I witnessed a critically endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtle lay eggs on the beach in Costa Rica. She was this incredible, living dinosaur. With an estimated 1,000-2,000 adults remaining in this population, this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Any advice for woman interested in pursuing an ocean career?
“Follow the bouncing ball” is advice that I was given that has stuck with me. This essentially means follow the opportunities that pop up in your life. Try new things, build strong connections with people you meet that are doing what you hope to do one day. There are so many different career paths and jobs in the ocean sector. Don’t narrow yourself down and be open to new opportunities!
Thanks for celebrating International Women’s Day with us! You can keep learning about our work and campaigns to help save the ocean here.
