As an Early Career Ocean Professional, I chose to pivot my research topic from marine biogeography to echinoderm biology and fisheries when I joined a new lab at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. This transition entailed a steep learning curve and a required some familiarisation with a new community of researchers and stakeholders. Within the first year of being in this position as a Postdoctoral Fellow, I started scientific collaborations with out-of-province (British Columbian) and international (Belgian and Chinese) echinoderm researchers, participated as a peer reviewer for the assessment of the Canadian commercial stocks of sea cucumbers, and engaged with two-way knowledge transfers with Indigenous users of echinoderm resources in the Canadian Arctic.
Earlier in the year, my colleagues and I have taken earlier opportunities to present our latest research on echinoderm biology at the 57th Congress of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (held locally in St. John’s) and on outreach activities with Indigenous communities the 56th European Marine Biology Symposium (delivered by a co-author). Next, I wanted to showcase this research directly to and network with echinoderm researchers from around the world. The ECOP Conference Stipend provided a timely opportunity for me to present in-person at the 11th European Conference on Echinoderms. Exciting findings on echinoderm biology (a poster presentation) and fisheries (an oral presentation) were shared with leading scientists in the field, which was well-received and was an ideal way for me to be introduced to the community of echinoderm researchers. Also, I networked with established researchers, their students, and other young early-career professionals hailing from different corners of the world: Africa, Asia, Australia, and, of course, Europe. At this conference, I benefited tremendously from the wealth of knowledge on echinoderm biology and fisheries through stimulating discussions with colleagues. Although I am a newcomer in the field, it was rewarding and overwhelming to receive the support and enthusiasm others have for the research that I shared at the conference. After the conference, I continue to remember the common global challenge of working towards a more sustainable fisheries for sea cucumbers. As the fishery for sea cucumbers in eastern Canada develops and as a one is being considered in the Canadian Arctic, I hope that my scientific efforts can be transformed into meaningful outcomes for Canada’s oceans and strengthen relationships among academia, government, industry, and Indigenous People. — Kevin C. K. Ma, Postdoctoral Fellow, Memorial University
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