As the UK’s largest sustainable coral provider, we pride ourselves on our passionate team and commitment to marine conservation. In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we had the pleasure of speaking with Charlotte, our dedicated Propagation Assistant. Loved by the team and customers alike, Charlotte shared her journey into the marine aquarium hobby, her inspirations, and why empowering women in marine science is essential.
A Lifelong Passion for Marine Life
Charlotte’s love for aquatics began in the late 1980s with Fancy Goldfish before expanding into tropical freshwater fish, particularly oddball species like Pufferfish. Her fascination with Green Spotted Puffers—a high-end brackish species—eventually led her into marine keeping and coral care.
“I’m a pretty obsessive person by nature,” Charlotte admits. “I figured, why not get paid to do my passion? If you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life.”
Since joining The Coral Centre, Charlotte has found it to be the most rewarding job she’s ever had. “The customers are the nicest people you could ever want to work with. They feel more like friends than customers—I genuinely love what I do.” Check out her tanks below:
A Role Model for Marine Conservation
When asked about female role models, Charlotte doesn’t hesitate: “Sylvia Earle. She is a world-renowned expert on marine biology and an advocate for ocean conservation and education. She’s just an absolutely incredible woman—Google her, it will blow your mind!”
Sylvia Earle’s groundbreaking work has paved the way for future generations of women in marine science, proving that passion and dedication can drive real change.
The Importance of Empowering Women in Marine Science
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action. Charlotte emphasises the necessity of having women in marine science, stating:
“Women bring diverse perspectives, leadership styles, and experiences to the table. This leads to increased innovation, creativity, and better decision-making within a company.”
Encouraging more women to enter the field not only strengthens the industry but also fosters a more inclusive and forward-thinking future for marine conservation.
Advice for Aspiring Women in Marine Science
For women looking to work in marine science or sustainability, Charlotte offers practical and motivating advice:
“Work out what you want to do and then figure out how to get there. Practical experience is so important—making mistakes and learning from them are some of the best teachers. Don’t be afraid to fail, but make every failure an opportunity to learn. Getting your foot in the door is 90% of the battle, so don’t be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up. Volunteering is a great way to prove your worth.”
Tackling the Challenges in Coral Conservation
Charlotte believes the biggest challenge facing coral conservation today is prioritising profit over the environment. “It all comes down to greed,” she says. “We need increased awareness and a shift in mindset. People need to care more, and those causing damage must be held accountable.”
Women in science and sustainability have a crucial role to play in addressing these issues—by advocating for ethical practices, leading research in coral propagation, and pushing for policy changes that protect marine ecosystems.
A Future Built on Passion and Change
At The Coral Centre, we are proud to have Charlotte as part of our team. Her dedication, expertise, and advocacy serve as an inspiration to both her colleagues and customers. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the vital role women play in marine conservation and encourage the next generation to follow in Charlotte’s footsteps.
By empowering women in science, we are not only supporting equality but also ensuring a sustainable future for our oceans.