.png){kind=small}
This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the inspiring women driving change in ocean conservation, science, and communication. Across the globe, women are at the forefront of protecting our blue planet—leading groundbreaking research, advocating for marine life, and empowering future generations.
In this special series, we’ve spoken to some of the most influential voices in the field to learn about their journeys, challenges, and hopes for the future of our oceans. In this interview, we’re thrilled to introduce the inspiring Founder and Managing Director of Love The Oceans, a globally recognised non-profit dedicated to pioneering community-driven marine conservation. Having founded the organisation at just 21, she has spent nearly a decade shaping a holistic conservation strategy that has earned international acclaim—including the Ocean Award for Young Initiative and the 2024 Gender Just Climate Solutions award at COP29.
Her work spans fisheries, coral reef health, apex predators, and megafauna, all aimed at enhancing biodiversity through sustainable conservation. She also empowers local communities with sustainable fishing, marine education, and alternative livelihoods. A marine biologist, PADI Divemaster, underwater photographer, and educator, she is currently pursuing a PhD in marine science and contributes to global conservation efforts through research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
Join us as we dive into her journey, her personal love of the ocean, and what she thinks is an important issue society should be focusing on.
Thanks so much for answering our questions Francesca. To start, can you tell us what inspires you to work in ocean science and what you hope to achieve? How has being a woman shaped your journey?
I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean, but what truly drives me is the urgent need to protect it. I founded Love The Oceans to combine science, community-driven conservation, and education to create lasting marine protection. My goal is to develop scalable conservation strategies that empower local communities to protect their marine ecosystems while ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Being a woman in this field has meant constantly proving my expertise in a space where leadership is still male-dominated. When I started Love The Oceans at 21, I faced skepticism and dismissal—but instead of letting that stop me, I created a space where women are supported, heard, and given opportunities to lead. Today, our team is predominantly women, even at the top, which is still rare in marine conservation.
What do you love most about the ocean?
The ocean is life itself—it regulates our climate, provides food, and supports an incredible diversity of species. What I love most is it's diversity and it's mystery—we’ve barely scratched the surface of understanding it, yet it sustains us all. There’s nothing quite like being underwater, witnessing the intricate relationships between marine life and realising how everything is interconnected. Every dive reminds me why conservation is so important—we have a responsibility to protect what we love before it’s too late.
If you could bring more attention to one ocean issue, what would it be and why?
I’d highlight the link between ocean conservation and food security. For coastal communities, especially in developing nations, the ocean isn’t just a place of beauty—it’s their livelihood, their food, and their future. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change are depleting fish stocks, making it harder for people to survive.
At Love The Oceans, we work with local fishermen to transition to sustainable practices that protect marine biodiversity without compromising their way of life. Conservation isn’t just about saving species—it’s about ensuring that people and the planet can thrive together. If we don’t tackle ocean degradation now, entire communities will suffer. It’s time we start treating marine conservation as a human rights issue, not just an environmental one.
Thanks so much Francesca. How can people get involved in the work of Love The Oceans?
Find out more about what we do: lovetheoceans.org
Donate to Love The Oceans: lovetheoceans.org/donate/
Buy equipment for our projects directly: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2EW93FXEK1SNV?ref_=wl_share
Join our expeditions in Mozambique: https://lovetheoceans.org/expeditions/
Follow us on instagram: @lovetheoceans and my instagram @chess_sea_
Championing Women, Protecting Our Oceans
Francesca’s passion, resilience, and dedication to ocean conservation are truly inspiring. Her work with Love The Oceans highlights the power of community-driven conservation and the urgent need to protect our marine ecosystems—not just for biodiversity, but for the people who depend on them.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Francesca’s story is a reminder of the vital role women play in shaping the future of our planet. By supporting organisations like Love The Oceans, advocating for sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the challenges facing our oceans, we can all be part of the solution.
Let’s continue to uplift the voices of women in marine science and conservation—because a healthier ocean means a better future for everyone.
Comments