Covering over 71% of the Earth's surface, hundreds of millions of people globally work or rely on ocean health, fishing, aqua- and mari-culture. Oceans feed us, regulate our climate, and generate most of the oxygen we breathe. Furthermore, oceans are a source of joy, recreation, spiritual and mental wellbeing, healing, and entertainment, enriching human lives beyond their basic needs
Over five million people in the UK live in coastal towns and coastal towns are more likely to have higher levels of deprivation than non-coastal towns. Moreover, there has been little recognition of race and ethnicity intersection, particularly in terms of access to coast and ocean spaces including employment, thus normalising the privilege of some ethnic groups, yet simultaneously marginalising others.
Diverse institutions and organisations (including academia, government organisations, large environmental NGOs) seemingly exclude specific groups, worldviews, and development pathways, and may operate in pre-defined structures of ocean sustainability that omit challenges faced by many. Fisheries, coastal and ocean governance decisions should seek to address recurring problems through deliberation among diverse groups and governance actors. However, solutions do not always reflect the perspectives or needs of all affected groups. Increasing ethnic and socio-economic diversity in fisheries, coastal and ocean research and promoting ocean literacy among intersections is vital for ocean sustainability and environmental justice.
Founded by Dr Gurpreet Padda, Black Ocean Citizens is committed to promoting literacy and access to ocean sciences among BAME in the United Kingdom.
Black Ocean Citizens (BLOC) was borne out of frustrations experienced at a conference where attendance and public talks involving Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) ocean scientists and representatives were not only limited but also unfairly representing visibly BAME people in ocean engagement activities.
Gurpreet Padda is a marine and fisheries scientist with seafaring experience and a local politician in Norfolk, England. Experiences during her career have shaped her commitment to diversity and to promote literacy and access to ocean sciences among underrepresented communities and underserved groups. This is why she was driven to set up BLOC. With equality, diversity, inclusivity, justice, and access at its core, BLOC provides a platform for underrepresented, underserved, and marginalised groups to be involved in and share ocean science knowledge and activities.
Let’s protect the future
At Black Ocean Citizens, our mission is to empower under-represented and under-served communities, and help shape ocean governance. We aim to encourage and support ocean advocacy by shifting false narratives and breaking though stereotypes, showcasing the vital work undertaken by all communities, irrespective of ethnicity and race, on fisheries, coast, marine and ocean.