Cefas Conference 2025: Science with Heart, Action with Equity

Dates attended: July 1–2, 2025
By Tsian Deslandes | Mermaids Beyond Borders

Day 1: What the Ocean Means to Us

We opened the Cefas Conference 2025 with a deceptively simple question:
“What does the ocean mean to you?”

For me, it’s everything.
It’s where I feel most connected to God. It’s the place I go to heal, to reflect, and to remember who I am. It’s where I found my purpose — and the reason I do what I do.

That question wasn’t just an icebreaker. It set the tone for a powerful day of dialogue, challenge, and curiosity — reminding us that marine science isn’t just about models and data. It’s about people. It’s about place. It’s about connection.

From the opening remarks by Prof. Grant Stentiford, Prof. Rachel Mills, and Sally Randall, to the thought-provoking address by Prof. Dame Theresa Marteau, the message was clear:
We need joined-up thinking — not just within science, but between science, policy, and community.

🔍 Key Highlights from Day 1:

• Nature Recovery
  We explored what true restoration looks like, through the lens of behavioural change and ecosystem resilience. It was a timely reminder that recovery isn’t just about metrics — it’s about meaning.

• Clean Energy Transitions
  With insight from Prof. Susan Gourvenec and Prof. Deborah Greaves, we were pushed to ask harder questions: How do we innovate without leaving communities behind? How do we transition wisely, not just quickly?

• Spatial Prioritisation
  A powerful look at how complex — and collaborative — marine planning really is. It's not just a science; it’s a shared responsibility.

The day ended with a resounding truth:
We cannot solve these challenges alone.
We need stronger dialogue — between researchers, industry, communities, and government. And perhaps most importantly, we need to keep returning to that opening question:
What does the ocean mean to you?
Because the answer shapes everything.

Here’s to deeper connection, bolder action, and an ocean future where everyone has a seat at the table. 💙

Day 2: From Source to Sea, and Voice to Action

If Day 1 was about connection, Day 2 was about commitment — to inclusivity, to collaboration, and to bridging the gaps between science and society.

We began with a keynote that filled the room with both hope and fire:
Dr. Tiara Moore, CEO of Black in Marine Science, reminded us that

“Representation isn’t optional — it’s essential.”
“We’re not just here to be included — we’re here to lead.”

As someone who lives at the intersection of ocean science and equity, her words rang deep. Inclusion in marine spaces isn’t a favour — it’s a foundation.

🌍 Themes That Resonated Deeply:

• Water Health: Catchment to Coast
  We followed the water’s journey from source to sea, guided by leaders like Prof. Davey Jones and Prof. Shelagh Malham.
  One consistent theme emerged:

“We all work on One Health.”
Water connects us all — so our solutions must too.

• Representation in Ocean Science
  The session Aspiration to Action hit home. These aren’t just “nice” conversations — they’re necessary. We cannot build resilient marine systems without the voices of those who live by, love, and depend on the sea. Representation isn’t a side quest — it’s mission critical.

• Aquatic Food Security
  Why aren’t aquatic foods more central to global food security?
  We explored this urgent question with brilliant speakers like Melanie Siggs, Marcus Coleman, Prof. Charles Tyler, and Mike Cohen.
  Animal welfare, ethical sourcing, and sustainability in aquatic food systems deserve far more scientific and policy attention than they currently receive. The breakout sessions gave space to propose real solutions and research priorities that we can act on now.
  

🖤 A Personal Reflection

This conference reminded me that science is not just about discovery — it’s about delivery.

If we want sustainable seafood, healthy coasts, and thriving communities, we must build those systems with people, not just for them.

I’m deeply grateful to Black Ocean Citizens for making it possible for me to be in this space. I carried with me the voices of those often left out of these rooms — and I remain committed to ensuring they’re not just included, but centred.

Here’s to the river, the reef, the researcher — and the radical idea that they all belong in the same room. 💙