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Havana Ooh Na Na. 

Could there be a more perfect city to join the One Ocean Expedition from? 

The One Ocean Expedition is rooted in collaboration and teamwork; being in a melting pot like Cuba seems like the perfect spot to embark on such a mission.

I feel so honoured to be aboard this vessel with some of the brightest minds in the ocean world to raise awareness of how the sea fits into a sustainable future. I’m looking forward to the next 10 days of interdisciplinary conversations and approaches to some of the biggest challenges our ocean currently faces. 

Oftentimes, it’s easy to get locked into an echo chamber when you’re only speaking to people directly in your field or who share the same opinions as you. So, I’m looking forward to speaking to people involved in ocean acidification, climate change, ocean plastic, renewable energy, and the blue economy to see how they think fisheries fit into our ocean’s sustainable future. And more importantly, how we can work together to make it happen. 

In just a few hours, I’ll be boarding the ship with several other researchers, students, and scientists. 

I won’t lie, I have no idea what to expect from the vessel. 

I have never been on a sailing adventure like this. I am more of a “hotel with all the amenities” kind of traveller as opposed to “sleeping bag on a sail ship”, but I am really excited to challenge myself with this new type of travel and broaden my horizons a little bit more. After all, that is what travel (and science!) is all about.

Funny enough, I also don’t do too well on boats. Despite the fact I work in seafood and scuba dive frequently, my sea legs remain non-existent. I am armed with plenty of anti-nausea medication and a million prayers for flat seas to the Bahamas.

Once we depart Havana, we’ll lose cell signal until we get to the Bahamas. Another new travel experience for me – we will be truly “off the grid”! That’s to say, this will be my last update for the next few days. During our journey, I’ll be documenting everything going on onboard and I’ll share all the details when we finally port in Nassau. 

Until then, Adios Havana! Here’s to flat seas and new adventures!

Keep up with all updates from the One Ocean Expedition HERE.