This week, we celebrated World Ocean Day by launching the first webinar in our new Blue Futures series – a conversation designed to open people’s eyes (young and old) to the many career pathways helping shape the future of our oceans.
What followed was an inspiring discussion that challenged some of the most common assumptions about working in the marine sector and highlighted the incredible diversity of opportunities emerging within Australia’s growing blue economy.
One message came through loud and clear: you do not need to be a marine biologist to have a meaningful career supporting ocean health.
Our panellists – Megan Connell from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Jordan Dwyer from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Jo Lane from Sea Health Products – each shared very different career journeys, reminding us that there’s no single pathway into ocean-related work.
In fact, the stories were anything but linear.
Megan spoke about beginning her career as a chef before eventually studying marine science and education, while Jo reflected on working across local, state and federal government before becoming a seaweed scientist and small business owner. Jordan described how a graduate program and fascination with international ocean policy led her into the development of Australia’s first Sustainable Ocean Plan.
These stories are a powerful reminder that careers evolve, opportunities emerge unexpectedly, and the skills we gain along the way often become our greatest strengths.
More Than Marine Biology
A key theme throughout the webinar was the breadth of skills needed to support a sustainable ocean future.
While marine science remains important, our speakers highlighted growing opportunities in areas such as environmental law, policy, communications, education, data analytics, GIS and spatial mapping, project management, regenerative aquaculture, marine restoration, biotechnology and renewable energy.
Jo shared exciting insights into the emerging seaweed industry and the potential for careers spanning genetics, chemistry, aquaculture and product innovation. Megan highlighted the growing demand for restoration specialists and environmental lawyers, while Jordan emphasised the need for innovative thinkers from a wide range of disciplines to help solve the complex challenges facing our oceans.
Perhaps most encouraging was the reminder that the ocean sector needs more than scientists. It needs storytellers, designers, communicators, educators, engineers, policy makers and entrepreneurs. It needs people who can connect ideas, collaborate across sectors and inspire action.
The Power of Curiosity and Connection
The audience brought fantastic questions to the discussion, particularly around volunteering, networking and breaking into the sector.
Our panellists encouraged young people to be proactive: attend events, participate in citizen science programs, volunteer where possible, build professional networks and don’t be afraid to reach out to people working in fields that interest you. Many of the strongest career opportunities come through relationships and conversations rather than traditional job advertisements.
And advice for the next generation?
Stay curious, embrace opportunities, continue to learn, and remain open to unexpected pathways.
Whether it’s learning a new skill, obtaining a boat licence, volunteering on a restoration project or simply saying “yes” to an opportunity that feels a little outside your comfort zone, every experience contributes to the journey.
Looking Ahead
As we wrapped up, we were reminded that the future of our oceans will not be shaped by one profession or one type of person.
It will be shaped by diverse individuals bringing different skills, perspectives and experiences together to tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges of our time.
We were thrilled by the level of engagement and thoughtful questions from those eager to explore careers that create positive change.
This conversation is only the beginning.
Blue Futures will continue in August, with Part 2 exploring the skills needed for careers in the blue economy, with a concluding webinar in September, focusing on ocean careers for creatives.
To everyone who joined us this week: thank you!
We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping more young people discover the many ways they can build a future that supports both people and planet.
The ocean needs scientists. But it also needs communicators, innovators, educators, engineers, artists and leaders. There is a place for all of us in shaping a sustainable ocean future.
Watch the full panel discussion here.