71% of Earth's Surface
Covered by Ocean
Black Ocean Citizens is on a mission to promote diversity in marine science and conservation. Our Outreach, Partnership, and Advocacy programs are catalysts for change, helping to turn the tide for ethnic minorities in ocean-related careers.
Join us today. You won’t just be unleashing your own potential, you’ll be helping to transform marine careers around the world!
The oceans cover over 71% of the Earth’s surface and 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 alone live in coastal towns, with these communities more likely to have higher levels of deprivation than non-coastal towns. Moreover, there has been little recognition of race and ethnic intersectionality in terms of coastal access and ocean-based employment, normalising the privilege of some ethnic groups whilst marginalising others.
Diverse institutions and organisations (including academia, science, government organisations, NGOs, etc) still operate in archaic and pre-defined structures that make career paths far more challenging for people from ethnic backgrounds. 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.
At Black Ocean Citizens, we believe it is vital that there is greater ethnic and socio-economic diversity in fisheries, ocean science and coastal research. Together we can create that change.
Black Ocean Citizenship is not just an organisation, but a powerful movement for nature conservation and social change. We are driven by a simple yet profound belief: everyday people possess the power to shape and mold a society where everyone can achieve their true potential. This belief forms the bedrock of our work to foster diversity in marine industries.
As we navigate the vast expanse of ocean-related careers, we know that the tide of change needs to come from within. Through our extensive outreach efforts, we awaken individuals and communities to the possibilities that exist in the marine sector. We build awareness and understanding, showing that a career in this field is not just possible, but a journey of immense potential.
Our strength lies in the partnerships we forge. We have created a supportive environment enriched with resources and opportunities. Success, as we see it, is a community-driven effort, and we encourage everyone to join us, to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives, and to be a part of this transformative journey.
Advocacy is at the heart of our work. We believe in the power of collective voices standing up for a common cause. We inform, encourage, and inspire people to stand for what they believe in. And in this case, it is the belief that the marine world should be as diverse and inclusive as the oceans themselves.
Join us as we set sail on this journey towards a more inclusive and diverse marine industry. Your contribution, whether it is organizing an event, volunteering, or planning a fundraiser, can create lasting ripples of change. There’s a role for everyone in our movement. Join Black Ocean Citizens today!
Every individual has the ability to motivate others and inspire true change. By hosting an event, you become a crucial part of our movement, ensuring that our mission has greater reach.
By volunteering your time, you will become an intrinsic part of the Black Ocean Citizens team. Get in touch with us today to find out how you can get involved and help to drive change across ocean careers.
As a non-profit organisation, we are entirely self-funded. By helping us to raise funds, you will be playing a huge part in our mission, working with us to transform marine careers around the world.