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Rising Tides, Rising Voices: Amplifying Marginalized Communities in Ocean Policy


Hi! My name is Izzy Orozco, and I’m a senior at Cal State Monterey Bay, majoring in Marine Science with a minor in Journalism and Media Studies. Growing up in Southern California, I always loved the beach, though it was not very accessible to me. Since I had such a curiosity for it, it inspired me to explore oceanography and marine science further in college. Through my service-learning project, I’ve been able to deepen my appreciation for the ocean and discover a potential path for my master’s program, especially with a new understanding of the importance of social science in marine conservation.

 

This project has shown me how critical it is to engage communities, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in conversations about ocean access and conservation. We aim to explore how people from disadvantaged, severely disadvantaged, and Tribal communities access, use, and value the ocean. Additionally, we are investigating how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can enhance or limit these benefits for various user groups as climate change continues to impact coastal environments. Working alongside this team focused on advocacy and environmental justice, we’re gathering information through interviews and surveys on the California coastline.


One of the most impactful experiences in this project was conducting surveys within the Monterey County community. At first, stepping outside my comfort zone to approach strangers was challenging. I expected that some days would be slow, with few responses, but it was still difficult to adjust to at first. Over time, though, it got easier, and eventually, it felt natural. I found myself starting conversations more easily, and it became rewarding to hear personal stories from community members about their relationship with the ocean. 

What surprised me the most was how willing people were to share their experiences once they realized the value of the work we were doing. Connecting with the public in this way gave me new insights into the importance of community engagement in ocean conservation. The experience reinforced the idea that equitable access to the ocean isn’t just a matter of policy, it’s about listening to real stories and ensuring those voices are part of the conversation.


For me, this project is about more than research; it's about representation. As someone who didn’t grow up with easy access to the ocean, I’m passionate about motivating more women and people of color to pursue careers in marine science. Learning about how the ocean impacts all communities, not just those with privileged access, has shown me just how crucial this work is.

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