Partner Spotlight: Christina Zantioti — Science That Speaks for the Ocean

How can the aquaculture professionals of tomorrow help prevent the marine pollution of the future?

For the past three years, Christina Zantioti, animal scientist and founder of SEADEA, has worked with Healthy Seas to bring questions about marine litter, ghost farms and waste management directly into universities and aquaculture events.

Through workshops delivered across Greece and Europe, Christina has engaged hundreds of students and young professionals from aquaculture, agriculture and related fields. By introducing them to real challenges facing the sector, including abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear and waste from aquaculture facilities, she encourages participants to look beyond production and consider the broader environmental responsibilities of the blue economy.

Since 2025, this collaboration has shaped through the NetPositive programme, developed with DOTANK Plus, where participants explore ESG principles through practical case studies and consider how their future roles could contribute to more responsible fisheries and aquaculture.

We spoke with Christina about her connection to the ocean, the role of science communication, the students who give her hope and why education is essential for turning knowledge into action.

The interview:

Tell us briefly about your organisation and what you do.

Through SEADEA, I work with researchers, industry, and organizations to promote sustainable aquaculture, support knowledge exchange, and make marine science more accessible to diverse audiences. My goal is to bridge the gap between science, education, and society to help build a more sustainable future for our oceans. You can find more information by visiting my website:

Tell us about your collaboration/partnership with the Healthy Seas Foundation.

My collaboration with the Healthy Seas Foundation focuses on empowering the next generation of ocean professionals through education. I have delivered academic outreach activities in Greek universities, and since 2025 I have been leading the NetPositive programme together with DOTANK Plus. Through the programme, young professionals gain practical knowledge of ESG principles in fisheries and aquaculture by working with real ALDFG case studies, encouraging them to think critically about sustainability and become part of the solution.

What does the ocean mean to you personally?

Growing up in Greece, the sea has always been part of my life. Today, it represents curiosity, opportunity, and responsibility. It has shaped my career, and it continues to motivate me to work towards solutions that protect marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable food production.

Earth or Mars?

Earth. There’s no ocean on Mars, and that’s reason enough for me!

Which is your favourite place on Earth? And why?

Ioannina is one of my favourite places to visit in Greece. I love how it combines the serenity of the lake, the beauty of the surrounding mountains, and a fascinating history.

What is one small habit everyone can adopt to help reduce ocean pollution?

Shop more consciously. Take a moment to read labels and learn to recognize credible sustainability certifications when buying seafood and other products. Small purchasing decisions, repeated by millions of people, can drive demand for more responsible production and help reduce pressure on our oceans.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about marine pollution?

The most surprising thing I’ve learned is how significant the contribution of abandoned, lost and otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is to marine litter in Europe. Understanding the scale of this issue has completely changed the way I think about marine pollution and the importance of collaborative solutions.

What’s the most memorable thing you have experienced with/thanks to Healthy Seas?

The most memorable experience has been the people. Through Healthy Seas, I’ve had the opportunity to meet inspiring students, young professionals, and scientists from universities across Europe. Being able to encourage the next generation to pursue careers in the blue economy while building meaningful collaborations has been the most rewarding part of the journey.

If you could send one message to the world about ocean conservation, what would it be?

The ocean is connected to our lives and livelihoods more than most of us realize. It provides food, supports millions of jobs, regulates our climate, and sustains biodiversity. Protecting the ocean isn’t just about conserving nature, it’s essential for a healthy, resilient future for us all.

Can you share a moment when you felt truly hopeful about the future of our oceans?

I feel most hopeful when I participate in youth-led initiatives. As a member of the Global Youth Constituency on Fisheries and Aquaculture of the FAO World Food Forum, where I lead the Capacity Building activities within the Sustainable Aquaculture Working Group, I have the opportunity to work with passionate young people from around the world who are committed to creating a more sustainable future for our oceans. Seeing their ideas, enthusiasm, and willingness to collaborate gives me confidence that the next generation is ready to drive meaningful change.

What’s the most incredible feedback you have experienced during or as an aftermath of a university project with Healthy Seas?

Receiving emails from students asking how they could volunteer with Healthy Seas has been the most rewarding feedback. It showed me that our university activities didn’t just raise awareness, they inspired people to take action, which is the greatest outcome any educator can hope for.

How has your work with Healthy Seas changed your perspective on a particular problem or challenge?

My work has mainly focused on production-related challenges in aquaculture, such as sustainable feed and nutrition. Working with Healthy Seas has expanded my perspective by helping me better understand the scale and complexity of marine plastic pollution, particularly the impact of abandoned, lost and otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). It has reinforced the importance of looking at sustainability from a broader, systems perspective, where production, conservation, and circular solutions all play a role.

If you could solve one ocean-related issue instantly, what would it be?

I would restore healthy marine ecosystems so that marine animals could thrive again.

If you could solve one issue in your aquaculture industry instantly, what would it be?

I would create equal opportunities for everyone working in aquaculture, regardless of gender, background, or where they come from. A stronger and more inclusive sector benefits from diverse perspectives, innovation, and talent. This is exactly why I co-founded the Network of Women in Aquaculture (NOWA), where I serve as President, to help build a more inclusive and supportive global aquaculture community.

 How do you see your organization evolving to support ocean sustainability in the next decade?

Over the next decade, I see my organizations contributing to ocean sustainability in complementary ways. Through SEADEA, I want to continue supporting research that explores innovative solutions for fisheries, aquaculture, and marine conservation, while ensuring that scientific knowledge is translated into accessible education and science communication. Research creates knowledge, but education ensures that knowledge leads to action. Through NOWA, my goal is to continue working towards equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in the aquaculture sector, because a more diverse and inclusive industry is better equipped to address the challenges of a sustainable blue economy.

What’s one thing you’d love to do with Healthy Seas in the future?

I would love to collaborate on research projects that generate practical solutions for ocean sustainability, alongside educational programmes that empower students and young professionals to become active contributors to the blue economy.

What is your favourite marine animal and why?
Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)! I’ve spent the past six years studying this species as part of my PhD, so it would feel unfair to choose anything else. They’ve shaped my scientific journey, so they’ll always have a special place in my heart.

Educating the Ocean Professionals of Tomorrow

Christina’s work demonstrates that education is not simply about transferring knowledge. It can help future scientists, producers and decision-makers understand how different parts of the marine system are connected and recognise the role they can play in improving it. Her collaboration with Healthy Seas has brought the realities of ghost gear, aquaculture waste and marine plastic pollution into spaces where future practices are being shaped. The most meaningful result may be found in the students who leave a workshop wanting to learn more, volunteer or become part of the solution.

At Healthy Seas, we believe that healthier oceans depend not only on removing existing pollution, but also on equipping the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to prevent it. Through SEADEA, Christina continues to build bridges between research, education and society, helping science speak clearly for the ocean.

👉 Explore more Partner Spotlights featuring organisations and individuals working with Healthy Seas to protect marine ecosystems, advance circular solutions and inspire action across different sectors.