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Dr. Lara Atkinson – Marine Scientist: SAEON – Explorer
This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with marine scientist Dr. Lara Atkinson from the South African Environmental Observational Network (SAEON), Egagasini Node. She shares her journey into marine science, her role in deep-sea exploration, and her mission to promote ocean conservation and capacity-building in Africa.
The Path to Marine Science
Dr. Atkinson recounts how her fascination with marine life began with watching documentaries as a child, despite growing up in Johannesburg, far from the ocean. A book she discovered on a family holiday—The Living Shores by George and Margot Branch—cemented her ambition to become a marine biologist, which outlined what subjects were required to pursue marine science. She methodically pursued her goal, ensuring she took the necessary subjects in school (mathematics, physics, biology, and geography) to gain entry into a Bachelor of Science program, which led to postgraduate studies culminating in a PhD.
She emphasizes that careers in marine science are not limited to academic research, highlighting the technical and technological fields that support the discipline, including mapping, artificial intelligence, software development, and outreach education. She also underscores the increasing participation of women in these areas.
The Ocean Quest Around Africa Expedition
A major focus of the conversation is Dr. Atkinson’s role in the Ocean Quest Around Africa Expedition, an initiative endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade Framework. She served as the lead African scientist, coordinating research efforts and assembling a diverse team of marine scientists from Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, and South Africa.
The expedition, a partnership between Ocean X (a media and ocean exploration organization) and Ocean Quest (a nonprofit initiative focused on deep-sea research), aimed to explore Africa’s rich marine biodiversity, particularly seamounts—underwater mountains that serve as biodiversity hotspots but are threatened by climate change and human activity.
During the first science leg of the expedition, the team sailed from Comoros through the Mozambique Channel, past Madagascar, and into South African waters, mapping the ocean floor and studying deep-sea ecosystems. The next phases of the expedition involve further exploration in Namibia, Cape Verde Islands, and Canary Islands before culminating at the UN Ocean Congress in France.
Deep-Sea Exploration & Key Discoveries
Dr. Atkinson describes her first-hand experience descending 500 meters below the ocean’s surface in a submersible, an acrylic-glass vessel used for deep-sea research. She recounts the awe-inspiring sight of previously unseen ecosystems, as well as evidence of human impact—notably, how Walter’s Shoal, a seamount once heavily fished, has yet to fully recover, despite conservation efforts. She emphasizes the slow growth rates of deep-sea species, explaining that full ecosystem restoration could take decades.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marine Science
A major challenge of deep-sea research is the massive volume of data collected, including 8+ hours of footage per dive from remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Dr. Atkinson highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is being leveraged to analyze video footage more efficiently, with AI models trained to identify marine species automatically. She and her team are contributing to this initiative, helping Ocean X refine AI tools to accelerate data processing.
Empowering Africa Through Marine Science
Beyond research, Dr. Atkinson is deeply committed to education, capacity-building, and fostering the next generation of African marine scientists. She highlights the new marine science curriculum in South African high schools, which allows students—even those in landlocked areas like Johannesburg—to engage with ocean studies. She also stresses the importance of international collaborations, mentorship, and creating employment opportunities in a field that, while vital, remains underfunded.
Inspiring the Next Generation
In closing, Dr. Atkinson delivers a powerful message to young women: marine science needs you. She encourages them to pursue their passion, seek opportunities, and contribute to ocean conservation. She believes that a woman’s perspective, dedication, and care are crucial for the future of marine research.
Her final words echo the essence of her mission: “Follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up. The ocean needs guardians, and Africa’s young scientists have a critical role to play.”
Tune in for more.
View all episodes
This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with marine scientist Dr. Lara Atkinson from the South African Environmental Observational Network (SAEON), Egagasini Node. She shares her journey into marine science, her role in deep-sea exploration, and her mission to promote ocean conservation and capacity-building in Africa.
The Path to Marine Science
Dr. Atkinson recounts how her fascination with marine life began with watching documentaries as a child, despite growing up in Johannesburg, far from the ocean. A book she discovered on a family holiday—The Living Shores by George and Margot Branch—cemented her ambition to become a marine biologist, which outlined what subjects were required to pursue marine science. She methodically pursued her goal, ensuring she took the necessary subjects in school (mathematics, physics, biology, and geography) to gain entry into a Bachelor of Science program, which led to postgraduate studies culminating in a PhD.
She emphasizes that careers in marine science are not limited to academic research, highlighting the technical and technological fields that support the discipline, including mapping, artificial intelligence, software development, and outreach education. She also underscores the increasing participation of women in these areas.
The Ocean Quest Around Africa Expedition
A major focus of the conversation is Dr. Atkinson’s role in the Ocean Quest Around Africa Expedition, an initiative endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade Framework. She served as the lead African scientist, coordinating research efforts and assembling a diverse team of marine scientists from Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, and South Africa.
The expedition, a partnership between Ocean X (a media and ocean exploration organization) and Ocean Quest (a nonprofit initiative focused on deep-sea research), aimed to explore Africa’s rich marine biodiversity, particularly seamounts—underwater mountains that serve as biodiversity hotspots but are threatened by climate change and human activity.
During the first science leg of the expedition, the team sailed from Comoros through the Mozambique Channel, past Madagascar, and into South African waters, mapping the ocean floor and studying deep-sea ecosystems. The next phases of the expedition involve further exploration in Namibia, Cape Verde Islands, and Canary Islands before culminating at the UN Ocean Congress in France.
Deep-Sea Exploration & Key Discoveries
Dr. Atkinson describes her first-hand experience descending 500 meters below the ocean’s surface in a submersible, an acrylic-glass vessel used for deep-sea research. She recounts the awe-inspiring sight of previously unseen ecosystems, as well as evidence of human impact—notably, how Walter’s Shoal, a seamount once heavily fished, has yet to fully recover, despite conservation efforts. She emphasizes the slow growth rates of deep-sea species, explaining that full ecosystem restoration could take decades.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marine Science
A major challenge of deep-sea research is the massive volume of data collected, including 8+ hours of footage per dive from remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Dr. Atkinson highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is being leveraged to analyze video footage more efficiently, with AI models trained to identify marine species automatically. She and her team are contributing to this initiative, helping Ocean X refine AI tools to accelerate data processing.
Empowering Africa Through Marine Science
Beyond research, Dr. Atkinson is deeply committed to education, capacity-building, and fostering the next generation of African marine scientists. She highlights the new marine science curriculum in South African high schools, which allows students—even those in landlocked areas like Johannesburg—to engage with ocean studies. She also stresses the importance of international collaborations, mentorship, and creating employment opportunities in a field that, while vital, remains underfunded.
Inspiring the Next Generation
In closing, Dr. Atkinson delivers a powerful message to young women: marine science needs you. She encourages them to pursue their passion, seek opportunities, and contribute to ocean conservation. She believes that a woman’s perspective, dedication, and care are crucial for the future of marine research.
Her final words echo the essence of her mission: “Follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up. The ocean needs guardians, and Africa’s young scientists have a critical role to play.”
Tune in for more.