Gecko Talks July: Connecting with the Ocean: How Citizen Science Empowers Ocean Conservation

Connecting with the Ocean: How Citizen Science Empowers Ocean Conservation

Lea Breistroff is a marine biologist and ocean lover, as well as the marine program manager for a local NGO called Ocean Connect. She will deliver a talk that explores the vital role everyday individuals can play in protecting our marine ecosystems. By bridging the gap between science and society, this talk highlights how citizen science projects, from reef monitoring, seagrass surveys, mangrove listening projects and marine species identification can engage communities in hands-on conservation. Through real-world examples and personal experience, the presentation demonstrates how participation not only contributes valuable data to marine research but also fosters a deeper connection to the ocean. Attendees will leave inspired to take action, equipped with practical knowledge on how to get involved and make a meaningful difference for our blue planet.

Bio:

Lea Breistroff is a marine biologist with a particular interest anthropogenic impacts and conservation. Having grown up in Hong Kong, an epicentre for illegal wildlife trade, Lea cultivated a love and passion for wildlife and was introduced to scuba diving at the age of 10. With an international upbringing, Lea spoke English and French at home whilst learning Mandarin at school. Leaving Hong Kong at 18, she went on to attain her undergraduate degree in Zoology at the University of Southampton. After graduating, her passion for the ocean deepened as she volunteered at various conservation programs in Thailand, Indonesia and South Africa, as well as becoming certified as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. After working as an instructor for a few years internationally, she went on to study her Masters in Marine Biology and Ecology at the James Cook University.