BLACK IN THE BLUE: MARINE SCIENTISTS AND ADVOCATES IN FOCUS

Black In the Blue: Marine Scientists and Advocates in Focus is a portrait series documenting Black marine scientists in their element—at sea, in labs, and along coastlines—capturing both the environments they study and the grounded presence they bring to their work. The project will also feature elements of the environment that these scientists steward as well as portraits of Black families dedicated to communing with the ocean.

This project arrives at a critical moment. A proposed 26% cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) threatens to strip essential funding from ocean research, environmental justice initiatives, and career pathways that support underrepresented scientists.

This series puts a face and a story to what’s at stake.

It is water that connects us.

Meet the Scientists and Advocates.

  • Maxwell Bracey, Founder of DIVER•SEA•FY

    Maxwell Bracey started Diver•Sea•Fy on the idea that if people from different backgrounds had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the underwater world, they would experience a similar ideological transformation with a heightened awareness and responsibility for conservation. A transformation that benefits the planet and enhances the lives of those working to protect it.

    Hear More From Max

  • Jada Alexander, Marine Researcher & Founder of Daybreak Beach Club

    Jada Alexander, Founder of Daybreak Beach Club, began her journey with the ocean at a time when she needed it most. As a young girl navigating personal challenges and facing racial hardships, she found herself drawn to the natural world as a source of peace and clarity. Nature became her outlet—a space where she could explore, play, and heal. Through these experiences, she regained her passion for life and a deeper sense of purpose, leading her to a path of self-discovery and renewal.

    Hear More From Jada

  • Elijah Catalan, Marine Researcher

    Elijah Catalan is a PhD student at the University of California, Los Angeles building a research-based career where he can help protect and empower communities disproportionately impacted by environmental conditions and underrepresented in the field of environmental science. His goal is to advance environmental justice and decolonise scientific research.

    Hear More From Elijah

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

  1. Sign the Petition
     Advocate for NOAA funding by adding your name: https://act.oceana.org/page/165698/action/1

  2. Support Black in Marine Science (BIMS)
     Amplify and fund the work of Black marine scientists: https://www.blackinmarinescience.org

  3. Amplify this project
    Stay connected to Black in the Blue both here and on our instagram, @projectblackintheblue, to hear from new Black scientists and advocates regularly. Share the project with your own community.