Meet the Next Generation of Female Ocean Explorers

Read the stories of female explorers who are taking on the biggest challenges facing our environment.

What does it mean to be an ocean explorer? An ocean explorer is someone who is committed to showcasing aspects of the oceanic world, and brings back their findings to share them with the larger public. In the words of much anthologized conservationist Baba Dioum: “In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.”

The focus on “Gender and the Ocean” at this year’s World Oceans Week (June 1-8) provides an opportunity to showcase the work of a new generation of female leaders who are building upon the advancements of the ocean pioneers who came before them. These women are scientists, photographers, digital storytellers and avid adventurers.

Their work has taken them to remote research stations in the Azores, Bahamas, Gili Islands, Philippines, Seychelles, Florida Keys, Cocos, and The Republic of Vanuatu. Each explorer has a different focus, but their experiences have led them to pursue careers within marine conservation. They have undertaken descents of uncharted rivers in Madagascar, flown with manta rays, witnessed devastating effects of overfishing, stared into the eyes of a great white shark, and even infiltrated the high stakes world of animal trafficking.

These are their remarkable stories.