During my birth month and a few months before submitting my PhD, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a team leader at the 10-year anniversary of the Galway Statement in Galway, Ireland. This gathering brought together ocean researchers, policy makers, and advocates from across the Atlantic, each with a shared vision of creating sustainable futures for our oceans. I represented South Africa!

A Convergence of Ocean Minds 🌍

The event took place at the University of Galway, a hub for groundbreaking marine research. The atmosphere was electric, with discussions ranging from ocean biodiversity to climate change impacts, all under the larger theme of transatlantic cooperation. The Galway Statement, first signed in 2013, has been a pivotal agreement fostering collaboration between the U.S., Canada, and the European Union to study and protect the Atlantic Ocean. Now, a decade later, it’s incredible to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges that lie ahead.

An inspiring group of interdisciplinary ocean researchers, including me, met in a boardroom to discuss solutions for the future of the Atlantic Ocean. These brilliant minds from diverse fields like marine biology, oceanography, and environmental policy were tasked with formulating recommendations for policymakers and the All-Atlantic Ocean Parliament. These recommendations, based on the latest research and collaboration efforts, are meant to shape the future of ocean governance. This is where I was unanimously voted for as the speaker of the group. This meant that after our mock parliament, I had to present our recommendations on behalf of the group to the European Parliament, the European Union, and leaders from the United Nations Ocean Decade.

Leading the Charge for Change 🌊

One of my standout moments was when my team (photographed above) selected me to speak on their behalf. It was a humbling and empowering experience. Our group had been working tirelessly, combining insights from our different fields to craft scientifically sound and actionable recommendations. Speaking on behalf of such a talented team of researchers, I felt the weight of our collective work and the importance of our message to policymakers.

Our recommendations focused on key areas:

• Enhanced data sharing across borders to ensure a holistic understanding of Atlantic ecosystems.
• Stronger marine conservation policies to protect vulnerable species and habitats.
• Increased funding for ocean research, with a focus on the impacts of climate change on coastal communities.
• Education of younger generations to prepare for the changes taking place and their implications for the future.

As I delivered our message, I felt the energy in the room. It wasn’t just about our words but the sense of urgency that came with them. We’re at a critical juncture in ocean protection, and it’s up to all of us—scientists, policymakers, and citizens alike to take decisive action.

The Power of Collaboration 🤝

What stood out to me most was the interdisciplinary nature of the discussions. Each voice added a unique perspective, from technology and innovation to traditional ecological knowledge from coastal communities to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Galway Statement itself is a testament to the power of international collaboration. The fact that we’re still building on this agreement 10 years later is proof of its importance.

It’s easy to get lost in the technical details of ocean research, but this event reminded me how critical it is to bring those findings to life for a wider audience, including policymakers and the general public. By speaking on behalf of my team, I saw firsthand how research can directly inform decisions that will shape the future of our oceans.

Moving Forward 🚀

As I look back on this experience, I am filled with a sense of purpose. Our oceans are facing unprecedented threats, but they’re also resilient. By continuing to work together and sharing knowledge and resources, we can ensure a sustainable future for the Atlantic and beyond. The Galway Statement anniversary was a powerful reminder that our work is bigger than any of us. It’s about creating lasting change for our planet and future generations.

Here’s to the next decade of ocean research, collaboration, and action!

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