Introduction of our Scientific Director

Since May, Gwenaële Coat has joined The SeaCleaners team as Scientific Director. We interviewed her to learn more about her career and her projects within the association.

Studies and background

At the SeaCleaners I have the responsibility to develop the scientific hub and missions of the Manta project. The Manta is a versatile and innovative vessel that will clean our oceans, combine a scientific and learning platform, and be a driver of the circular economy.  My mission can be categorized into three themes: Scientific strategy and communication; Scientific program and animation of scientific partners; and External relations and partnerships management. I combine 20+ years of experience in international engagement, promoting sustainable collaboration in complex areas including biosecurity (and global health security), conservation, and international scientific collaboration/research. I have a M. Sc. in Biological Oceanography – primary productors, as well as a M.A. in Scientific Communication. 

Within The SeaCleaners

At the heart of the scientific debates of the association, Gwenaële is a real reference in relation with the different poles and actors of The SeaCleaners. Her objective is to compare and understand which scientific campaigns are the most effective in setting up the protocols for the association’s scientific missions, such as the one that will be operated by the Mobula 8 in Indonesia at the end of 2021. Research, analysis and knowledge sharing are also at the heart of its mission to broaden the public’s knowledge of plastic pollution and ecosystems with the help of specialized scientists (presence, dangerousness, endangered species, etc.).

Raising awareness and providing information

Beyond scientific research, communication is essential. Raising awareness and informing the general public and communities around the world about the dangers of plastic pollution is also part of The SeaCleaners’ mission. This is a primary objective, a task that Gwenaële assiduously carries out as Scientific Director. This work of democratization and popularization of scientific knowledge is necessary to raise popular and political awareness. By announcing the progress and the dangers of plastic pollution through different actions, the association allows everyone to become familiar with the subject and offers the possibility to rethink their habits.

“Scientific communication and exemplary action are essential vectors for raising awareness, trying to reduce plastic consumption and getting politicians to do more. In long-term battles, we need to make people aware and to highlight intermediate victories to raise awareness. Alongside the actors in the field, there is therefore a place for researchers. The roles are complementary in order to move the lines and, at The SeaCleaners, I find these two dimensions”, explains Gwenaële.

“With the Manta and the Mobula, The SeaCleaners will be able to demonstrate the problem of plastic pollution with powerful images and raise awareness.”

International research

Nowadays, it is impossible to think about plastic pollution without looking at the international level, because despite the borders that separate us, the entire planet is affected by this phenomenon. As an observer member of the European Union’s Environment Agency, The SeaCleaners is part of an international dynamic of solidarity on a daily basis. Today, as a partner of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the NGO actively participates in solutions for change to achieve the 10-year sustainable development goals. These initiatives allow the establishment of scientific collaborations, synonymous with increased knowledge. It is the international awareness that will allow to offer targeted answers and will authorize the development of means to mitigate the degradation of the ocean ecosystem.

Every day, the expert members of The SeaCleaners’ International Scientific Advisory Board try to collect data to think of innovative ways to fight plastic pollution. In her new position, Gwenaele will be responsible for leading this network in the fight against plastic pollution.

It is the mixing of ideas, multidisciplinarity and the co-construction of solutions that led to the creation of the Manta and the Mobula, pollution control boats designed by The SeaCleaners, which act to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. All of these approaches have a specific goal: to increase the capacity of oceanic studies to find sustainable solutions to protect our environment in an international approach.

“The International Scientific Council of the association is multidisciplinary and accompanies us throughout our missions and our progress. It is there to validate our ideas, to define our missions of characterization, localization and quantification of plastic waste and to make us progress on a daily basis. Thanks to this council, we will be able to add our touch to the international knowledge”, concludes our new scientific director.

Welcome to the team, Gwen!

Photo Gwenaele COAT

Scientific Director

Gwenaele COAT