Be an Ally to Black Women in Fisheries Science

Last year, several members of Women of Fisheries and allies published an article in Fisheries and a summary in the Fisheries Blog discussing how to be an ally to women in science. The same 3 steps to become a better ally that were highlighted in the Fisheries Blog apply even more so to supporting black women in the fisheries field. For black history month, let’s educate ourselves (step 1) on the amazing black women in fisheries science, check our biases (step 2), and take action (step 3) to support them. Below is a small sample of the amazing black women impacting fisheries science and black-led organizations that could use your support. If you have more inspiring fisheries scientists or organizations to add to the list, email us at women.of.fisheries@gmail.com.

Educate yourself on the experiences and accomplishments of black women in fisheries science

Profiles of NOAA scientists and support staff

6 NOAA experts honored at Women of Color in STEM awards

Uvi Ajavon, Fishery Information Specialist, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office

Ebony S. Contreras, Chief Learning Officer

Michelle Duncan, Fisheries Education Specialist

Renee Eaton, GIS Developer for NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation

Gail Haynie: Human Resources Administrator

Temi Oyewole, Funds Management Specialist

Jolvan Morris, coordinator of Students Collaborating to Undertake Tracking Efforts for Sturgeon (SCUTES)

Sheila Stiles, Research Geneticist

Perspectives from an inspiring trailblazer

Mamie Parker, a former assistant director of fisheries and habitat conservation at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was the first African-American to head a regional office for that agency.

“I think people from communities of color really suffer a lot from isolation, from feeling the need to prove themselves. And over time it becomes very difficult to continue to work at a place like that, and you have to really believe that the benefits outweigh the cost.” – Mamie Parker (NPR article)

Check out her inspiring plenary talk from the American Fisheries Society 2020 virtual meeting: https://vimeo.com/showcase/7537077/video/457820842

Check your biases

Learn about black perspectives from a collection of personal experiences by Women in Ocean Science and profiles of black marine scientists from Black in Marine Science.

Biases also exist outside of fisheries science, but in fishing in general – meet The Ebony Anglers – a black female competitive fishing team. Their mission is to impact the sport of competitive women’s fishing through the diversity and inclusion of female anglers of color, to create/build an elevated lifestyle brand anchored in nautical sportsmanship and fine outdoor living, to model the strength, balance and resilience of Black women through the sport of  competitive fishing, boating and elevated outdoor living, and to establish a legacy of leadership, sportsmanship and excellence for youth through education and mentoring. Learn more about this inspiring group of women in a recent NYT article and Today Show segment.

Take action by supporting these organizations led by black women!

Minorities in Shark Sciences

Founded in 2020 by Jasmin Graham, Amani Webber-Schultz, Carlee Jackson, and Jaida Elcock, the mission of Minorities in Shark Science (MISS) is to promote diversity and inclusion in shark science and encourage women of color to push through barriers and contribute knowledge in marine science.

MISS is already making an impact on women minorities that are interested in studying sharks through workshops offering free hands-on field experience doing shark research, fellowships, and mentorships, and providing educational opportunities through online content, youth programs and summer camp.

Learn more about MISS and their founders:

https://www.npr.org/2021/07/14/1016089180/building-a-shark-science-community-for-women-of-color

https://www.discovery.com/science/meet-the-founders-of-miss

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/shark-week-marine-science-diversity/

Black in Marine Science

Founded by Tiara Moore, an environmental ecologist, Black In Marine Science (BIMS) started as a week (#BlackinMarineScienceWeek) to highlight and amplify Black voices in the field and encourage younger generations, while also shedding light on the lack of diversity in marine science. 

BIMS also educates year round through their YouTube series

BIMS Bites and BIMS Bites Kids focus on small “bites” of marine science topics presented by Black scientists in order to communicate science worldwide! 

BIMS Dives conversation series feature a prominent Black scientist answering questions on the most pressing ocean issues.   

Minorities in Aquaculture 

Imani Black, an oyster farmer, founded Minorities in Aquaculture to educate minority women about the environmental benefits provided by local & global aquaculture in order to promote a more diverse, inclusive aquaculture industry

Minorities in Aquaculture: Working to Increase Diversity and Accessibility

Let’s take action to amplify the voices and experiences of our black fish sisters, not just during Black History Month, but year round. After all, every person has something amazing to contribute to this world, and we would hate to miss out on any one person’s incredible contributions because of a system that excluded them due to their gender, race, or sexual orientation.