From seaside strolls in childhood to spearheading scientific surveys on the ocean, a retired fisheries specialist looks back at her 40-year career with passion and determination. Her tale, presented in a recent personal essay entitled 'My Love Affair with the Sea', traces a life in the waves, in science, and in determination.
A Lifelong Journey Anchored by Passion
Originally from the UK, she moved to New Zealand in 1976. What began as postgraduate study turned into a permanent home and career. For four decades, she worked in fisheries science, travelling globally to study marine ecosystems and stock health. Despite retiring in 2022, her connection to the sea remains strong. Today, she roams Wellington’s south coast with her camera, still fascinated by the Cook Strait’s changing moods.
She attributes political changes in workplace gender equality to her success. The changes provided her with opportunities once refused to women. Her work enabled her to contribute towards both human and environmental welfare. However, her journey was not always smooth sailing.
Tides of Challenge for Women at Sea
It was a hard life working in fisheries science in the 1970s and 1980s. Women entered what had been men's areas, particularly offshore. There were sharp industry-conservation divides in New Zealand, adding to tensions. At sea, women scientists continually had to demonstrate their capability. Some were called "greenies" or, worse, "bottom feeders," a term borrowed from marine biology.
Complaints were seldom a welcome thing, and women also encountered bias on shore. But women's camaraderie did help. There were always at least two women on each expedition, and support was essential.
New Zealand's sparse infrastructure made things more difficult. Research vessel James Cook wasn't designed for tough offshore operation. So the team leased larger ships from abroad, with new cultural and language hurdles to overcome. But women tended to thrive at diplomacy, employing emotional intelligence to handle relationships with overseas crews. This made surveys easier and data more credible.
Changing Tides and New Priorities
Later in her career, however, things started to get better. Management became more open and accepting, and women received greater support. Childcare facilities on board ships and equal opportunities policies helped. At sea, tougher regulations safeguarded women and allowed them greater voice. She felt respected, both personally and professionally.
But she feels today's obstacles are different. There isn't enough money, and there isn't much political will now to advance. No one is interested in in-depth studies of ecosystem health or wild stock quotas. Recommendations have outlined better means to bring together indigenous knowledge, science, government, and industry. Without it all sticking, though, the outcome is far away.
Looking back, she is thankful for her unconventional and rewarding life. She remarks that fisheries science is not for the faint of heart—but being a woman might be to one's advantage. What did make a difference, however, was loving the ocean and loving its inhabitants. That passion, she asserts, sustained her through every tempest.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
