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Check FAQAbout Samantha
Writer, communicator, researcher, and consultant specialising in marine science, marine technology, policy, environment, conservation, and sustainability, I can help with your research, outreach, and communication needs. Businesses, NGOs, government entities, research institutes, stakeholder groups, and others hire me to help with: Storytelling and other written content including: 📖 Content creation 📖 Case studies 📖 Success stories 📖 Evidence-based storytelling 📖 Press releases 📖 Plain language summaries Evidence-based research, reporting, and synthesis, including 📚 White papers 📚 Green papers 📚 Reports 📚 Science Communication Consulting and training including: 📣 Strategic communications 📣 Conference outreach 📣 Science communication training 📣 Speaking and workshops 📣 Ad-hoc advice and guidance And more. Don't hesitate to reach out with your need. I also produce several free tools to support the ocean community: 🌊 Ocean Opportunities: Find or advertise a job, Post-Doc, PhD, Masters, conference, workshop, course, internship, webinar, funding, or other opportunities in the ocean/marine/coastal realm. 🌊 Ocean Connections: Discover the world of ocean/coastal-related NGOs and CBOs with this ever-growing crowd-sourced online map and database. 🌊 Help A Researcher Out: A way for researchers at any level to ask for advice, input, or support with their ocean research/project. Calls for assistance are shared on the website, via a mailing list, and on social media. 🌊 Share Your Story: A place for people to write and share their own "stories" related to the ocean. Stories can be about research, projects, experiences, explainers, fiction, anything as long as it is related to the ocean, coastal communities and ocean users, marine science, or technology.
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Portfolio
Putting the Organic into Aquaculture
The article discusses the unique challenges and standards of organic aquaculture compared to terrestrial farming. There is no international standard for organic aquaculture, and different countries like Canada and the EU have their own standards. Certification schemes vary, with most requiring efforts to minimize environmental harm and maintain biodiversity. The use of synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and GMOs is generally restricted, with some exceptions. The definition of organic feed is debated, especially concerning wild-caught components. The US has yet to implement an aquaculture standard, causing industry frustration. The article also touches on animal welfare concerns and the environmental benefits of organic aquaculture, as shown by the University of Victoria's 'Global Aquaculture Performance Index'. Organic aquaculture is seen as more environmentally friendly and is in demand by consumers, though it doesn't necessarily translate to higher profits for producers due to higher operational costs.
Elements of Science: What are the elements of a great abstract?
The article emphasizes the importance of crafting a well-written abstract for research papers, as it is often the only part of a study that is widely read due to accessibility issues and reader habits. Dr. Cecile Badenhorst and Dr. Bethann Merkle provide insights on creating an effective abstract, which should include a clear summary of the research problem, purpose, methodology, key findings, and a key message. The article also discusses the benefits of multilingual abstracts and the need for accessible language to reach a broader audience, including non-specialists and policymakers. It concludes by highlighting the necessity of practice and revision in writing a great abstract.
From the seawire: ocean news in August 2022
August 2022 saw a variety of marine and environmental news, including studies on sea turtle strandings in Brazil, orca interactions with boats in the Strait of Gibraltar, and the impact of climate change on marine species. New species were described, and the genetic history of eelgrasses was linked to their adaptability to climate change. The Australian Bureau of Statistics released ocean ecosystem estimates, while a global study tracked the vertical movements of elasmobranchs. China's dugongs became functionally extinct, and the UK reported increased jellyfish sightings due to climate change. The CMA CGM Group was recognized for decarbonizing shipping, and NOAA and CNES prepared to launch a satellite for tracking marine life. The UK's new Center for Seabed Mapping aims to deliver advanced mapping capabilities, and various studies highlighted the challenges and potential solutions for marine conservation and industry sustainability.
Why climate change could mean more disease for marine aquaculture
Climate change is increasing the risk of disease outbreaks in marine aquaculture due to higher temperatures, lower pH, reduced oxygen, and changes in salinity. These conditions stress aquatic species, making them more susceptible to diseases. Dr Tommy Leung from the University of New England and Dr Robert Ellis from the University of Exeter discuss the impacts of climate change on disease severity and duration, and the potential for increased parasite survival and reproductive output. Mitigation strategies include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, selective breeding for resilience, and considering new aquaculture locations. Early warning systems and close collaboration between scientists and aquaculturalists are essential for timely action against disease outbreaks.
The largest fur seal in the world
The brown fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus), the largest fur seal on Earth, has a split distribution with populations along the southwest coast of Africa and the southeast coast of Australia. The species comprises two sub-species, the 'Australian fur seal' and the 'Cape' or 'South African' fur seal, which are genetically similar but rarely interbreed due to the distance between their habitats. Genetic tests suggest the Australian sub-species emerged around 12,000 years ago, likely due to migration aided by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Despite historical hunting, both sub-species are currently experiencing population growth and establishing new colonies.
Sea Shorts: The Art of the Cod Jig
The cod jig, a simple fishing tool consisting of a line wound around a wooden hand-reel with a weight and fish-shaped hook, is used from a small wooden boat called a dory to catch demersal cod near the ocean bottom. Fishers jig the hook in sharp movements to attract cod without bait, engaging in a battle to pull the resisting fish up to the boat.
Controlling the uncontrollable? Sea lice in salmon aquaculture
Salmon aquaculture in British Columbia faces significant controversy, particularly regarding sea lice infestations and their impact on wild salmon populations. The Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw First Nation has opposed the presence of Cermaq and Marine Harvest salmon farms in their territory. Sea lice, which feed on fish tissue, proliferate in the confined spaces of salmon farms and spread to wild salmon, potentially increasing mortality rates. The industry has traditionally used chemicals like SLICE® to combat lice, but this has led to environmental concerns and drug-resistant lice. Alternative methods, such as the use of cleaner fish and technological solutions like the Stingray laser system, are being explored. Closed containment systems, such as those used by KUTERRA, offer a sustainable alternative, receiving recognition from the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program.
How special is a ‘Special Area of Conservation?
The article discusses a controversial proposal to allow scallop dredging within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in Cardigan Bay, Wales. The SAC, designated under the EU's Habitats Directive, aims to protect various species and habitats, including the UK's largest breeding population of bottlenose dolphins. Currently, some scallop dredging is permitted in the SAC, but the proposal seeks to expand this due to claims of overcrowding and underutilized scallop populations. The Welsh government suggests that opening more areas to dredging could benefit the economy by £6-£10 million annually. However, environmental concerns include the potential damage to the SAC's features and the impact on the food sources for dolphins. Research from Bangor University's Fisheries and Conservation Science Group indicates that sustainable scallop fishing could be possible with careful management. The article raises questions about the trade-offs between economic benefits and environmental impacts, the adequacy of current fishery management, and the potential effects on dolphin populations.
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