Welcome Oliviya Wyse!

We’re thrilled to have Oliviya Wyse join the FishWise team as an intern within our Traceability Division. Oliviya is local to the Monterey Bay area, and her connection to the ocean began at a young age. Living along the coast has made her increasingly aware of how her actions impact the environment she studies and enjoys. Through past educational and professional experiences, she has become particularly interested in fisheries and has committed herself to ensuring that the future of our fisheries is one that is accessible and sustainable for all.

Oliviya is currently working towards a graduate degree in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management from Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey. As Oliviya continues to pursue her passion of sustainable fisheries through her work at FishWise, we’d like you to get to know a little more about her…

What sustainable seafood issue(s) are you most passionate about?

There is no one issue I feel more passionate about than another, because one issue cannot be addressed without acknowledging the others. However, my first thought goes to unsustainable methods of harvest. I feel that addressing unsustainable harvest practices and the exploitation of fisheries resources will help in addressing other sustainability issues within the industry. My second thought is the educational component of sustainable seafood, and changing the perception that all seafood is unsustainable.

What made you want to work at FishWise?

Much of my professional experience has been within the science and management sectors. I spent three years working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife between completing my bachelors and returning to graduate school. I gained knowledge about the processes of resource management, and valuable experience interacting with the fishing community. What I lacked was knowledge of seafood markets and supply chains, and the stakeholders working to improve seafood sustainability. FishWise is a great place for me to gain this knowledge. I was also drawn to their collaborative nature and dedication to include all stakeholders in the effort to drive a sustainable industry.

What drew you to the topic of seafood traceability specifically?

Seafood transparency provides an opportunity for consumers to drive the industry towards more sustainable practices. Traceability has the power to provide consumers valuable information about the food they’re purchasing and the companies and practices that they’re choosing to support. Conscious and educated consumers therefore create the power to drive sustainability within the industry through their demand and spending practices.

If you could work within any fishery around the world, which would it be?

If it weren’t for the fact that the motion of the ocean causes internal turmoil, it would be really interesting to work within a pelagic fishery. I think tuna, swordfish, and other highly migratory species are fascinating.