2021 Recap
2021…what a year.
Every year I write one of these “annual recap” posts. Usually, they highlight the trips I’ve been on, the cool projects that I’ve worked on, and other achievements that I’m proud of.
Last year, with the pandemic gripping the world, I didn’t publish an annual recap. I honestly didn’t even realize that I’d skipped it until I sat down to write this year’s recap. I guess it goes to show what a whirlwind life has been thanks to COVID-19.
But anyway, I don’t want to talk about the “c word” anymore, because despite the obstacles it continues to present, 2021 has been the best year of my life.
I was still able to travel to many incredible places (including a couple of brand new destinations). I was able to grow my business and officially go full-time with Seaside with Emily this fall. I defended my thesis and completed grad school. And I worked with so many wonderful brands and companies on projects that I’m so passionate about.
If I had to sum up 2021 in one word, it would be COLLABORATION.
This year, I truly embraced teamwork and partnerships, which presented opportunities to work with some of the brightest minds in seafood and travel, whom I learned so much from and created some pretty badass projects with. Down below I dig deeper into these.
2021 was also a year of risks and leaps. I started the year with a big leap by moving to a new city. I left Guelph in January to move to Niagara with my boyfriend, and I’ve been loving every minute of it. I also took Seaside with Emily full-time ahead of schedule. I’d always planned to go full-time with my business, but my goal was January 2022. With things going so well right before I finished my thesis, I decided to go full-time in October 2021, as soon as I finished grad school.
Here are a few more 2021 highlights, from travel to exciting projects that I’ve been a part of.
Travel Highlights
Canada’s East Coast
My first trip outside of Ontario since the COVID-19 lockdowns started was to Canada’s East Coast. my boyfriend and I drove from Niagara to New Brunswick to spend a week exploring the maritimes wineries, seafood, and biking trails.
More on Canada’s East Coast:
- Shediac Bay Lobster Cruise: A one-of-a-kind Canadian seafood experience
- Sustainable caviar production on Canada’s east coast
- A spotlight on Canadian seafood tourism in Canada
Croatia
My first international trip since March 2020, was to Croatia. I had the chance to join some friends on a boat, where we sailed through some of the major destinations along the Croatian coast, before I headed off for a week on my own to uncover some of the country’s hidden seafood gems.
More on Croatia:
- Croatia: What I wish I knew before visiting
- My Croatia itinerary & how I’d change it if I did it again
- Must try restaurants in Split, Croatia
- Mali Ston Bay: The Ultimate Croatian Oyster Experience
- Mastering Mediterranean Cuisine in Croatia with Split Cooking Class
Panama
Panama was a quick trip that I was able to take this winter. I only stopped in Panama City for a few days on my way to Cuba, but had a blast exploring! It was my first time in South America and I was blown away by the rich culture and most importantly, the AMAZING seafood! I’m looking forward to sharing more about Panamanian culture and seafood over the coming weeks.
More on Panama:
Sailing the Caribbean
In the winter, I teamed up with Mowi and the One Ocean Expedition to sail through the Caribbean on Norway’s oldest tallship in order to raise awareness about sustainable aquaculture production. Mowi is one of the largest seafood companies in the world and the worlds largest farmed salmon producer. They’re working to make high quality, sustainable seafood more accessible to people all over the world.
Together, we sailed aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl as part of the One Ocean Expedition. This year long voyage will be sailing 55,000 nautical miles and visiting 36 ports worldwide in order to share knowledge about the crucial role of the ocean for sustainable development in a global perspective.
I joined the Statsraad Lehmkuhl from Havana to Miami alongside a whole host of researchers, scientists, students, and of course, the wonderful team at Mow to talk about sustainable aquaculture and the future of blue foods. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience that will go down as one of my coolest travel experiences of all time.
Get caught up on all updates from the One Ocean Expedition HERE!
2021 Project Highlights
Mowi x One Ocean
In December, I sailed from Cuba to Miami with the One Ocean Expedition and Mowi, the world’s largest producer of farmed salmon, to raise awareness about sustainable aquaculture.
National Seafood Month with the Marine Stewardship Council
In October, I worked with the MSC to celebrate National Seafood Month and share information about the MSC ecolabel.
Testing DNA, Testing Supply Chains
In the summer, I partnered with Dr. Robert Hanner, Organic Ocean, and SeaChoice to explore Canada’s seafood mislabelling problem.
Top blog posts of 2021:
Seaspiracy: What’s the real catch?
Oyster Bars in Toronto to visit this summer
Croatia: What I wish I knew before visiting
Farmed Salmon Myths Debunked by a Fisheries Scientist
