On an awe-inspiring adventure for an important cause, a team of four marine scientists is about to set off on a bold challenge: A 3,000-mile! Unassisted row! Across the Atlantic Ocean! Their mission is to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation education in a voyage that will take them through some of the world’s most challenging open-ocean conditions.
This dedicated team of women, named the Salty Science Team, aims to complete the journey in 40 to 60 days, beginning in December 2023. Launching from one of Spain’s Canary Islands, La Gomera, they will row until they reach the shores of Antigua. Their vessel, a 28-foot state-of-the-art R45 ocean rowboat named Emma, made by Rannoch Adventure will be their home, laboratory, and lifeboat.
Team members Chantale Bégin, Noelle Helder, Isabelle Côté, and Lauren Shea, have devoted their lives to understanding our planet’s oceans. From studying invasive seaweeds and coral reef sedimentation to investigating jaw mechanics in baby sharks, these women bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to this endeavor.
Marine Scientist, Educator, National Geographic Explorer
Professor of Marine Ecology, Runner, Swimmer
Marine Biologist, Sailor, Diving Instructor
Marine Ecologist, Guide, Type II Fun Enthusiast
Their journey will test their physical and mental strength to their limits. Each day they will each take over 38000 oar strokes, burning more than 5,000 calories. While two team members row, the other two will maintain the boat, check in on the sat phone, cook, or rest in the water-tight sleeping quarters. Should Emma capsize, she is designed to right herself, and the team will be tethered at all times when on deck to ensure their safety.
In Support of Marine Conservation Education and Research
In addition to showcasing the strength and determination of these scientists, the voyage aims to raise $500,000 for marine conservation organizations, specifically The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Green Wave, and Shellback Expeditions.
The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre is a research facility on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada, offering field courses in marine ecology and conservation. The funds raised will go toward the creation of a scholarship fund for undergraduate and graduate students of underrepresented minorities.
Green Wave is dedicated to supporting regenerative ocean farming, a practice that involves growing kelp and shellfish without the need for food or fertilizer inputs, which makes it one of the most sustainable food production methods on the planet.
Shellback Expeditions, a non-profit founded by Chantale Bégin and colleagues, is devoted to involving budding marine scientists in conservation projects in the Eastern Caribbean. The organization has supported research on sediment accumulation rates on coral reefs, providing crucial data to understand how land use affects reefs and guide management decisions.
Backing the Salty Science Team throughout their journey will be Performance Coach Cady Hart and Sport Psychology Consultant Terri Schneider. Hart, owner of Green Mountain Community Fitness and Lead Training Advisor at Concept2, will share her extensive training knowledge, while Schneider, a seasoned adventurer, and holder of degrees in Exercise Physiology and Sport Psychology, will help the team hone their mental game for the upcoming challenge.
The Salty Science Team’s voyage is a testament to the power of endurance, the resilience of women in science, and the importance of our ocean’s health. As they row across the Atlantic, they carry with them a message of preservation and education, reminding us of the need to protect and understand the world beneath the waves. This epic journey truly embodies the adventurous spirit of scientific exploration, promising to inspire the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists.
Stay Connected and Support the Salty Science Team
We are eagerly anticipating the December 2023 launch! You can keep up with the Salty Science Team’s preparations and adventures by following them on their website and Instagram @saltysciencerowing.
Learn more about sponsoring this important journey across the Atlantic and help with marine conservation and education:
