Namibia’s coastline spans over 1,500 kilometers, offering some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. Home to unique marine life and key industries such as fishing and offshore diamond mining, the ocean plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and environmental sustainability
Lauryn Nicole Beukes, a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Honours student, is a passionate aspiring marine biologist dedicated to understanding marine ecosystems and the growth and adaptation of marine mammals. Her journey in marine science is not only a pursuit of knowledge but also a realization of a dream deeply rooted in her love for the ocean. 
During her recess period, Lauryn had the opportunity to intern at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Swakopmund. Working alongside senior fisheries biologists, she gained hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for marine conservation. Though she acknowledges that she has much more to learn, she is grateful for the chance to live out what she once only dreamt about.
Lauryn describes the ocean as her “happy place.” She believes her journey into marine biology was guided by faith. “I can see God’s hand over my life. I have prayed for this, I cried for this opportunity, and Jesus Christ made it all possible”, she added. She found herself on the path she always desired 
Her passion for marine life was sparked by the realization that over 80% of the ocean remains unexplored. “Studying marine animals has shaped my perspective by teaching me the importance of conservation, balance in ecosystems, and the incredible adaptability of life underwater” she said. 
One of the most intriguing species Lauryn has studied is the dusky kob (Argyrosomus coronus), a fish found along the west coast of Southern Africa.  “I’m currently looking into how their growth rates have changed over time, which can reveal a lot about environmental changes”, she added. Additionally, she has developed a deep admiration for seals, recognizing their intelligence and social behaviors. A particularly striking moment during her internship was encountering a seal entangled in a fishing line. The severe injuries it sustained due to human pollution reinforced the urgent need to protect marine life.
Lauryn emphasizes that young people should care about marine conservation because their daily actions, such as reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainable fishing, have a direct impact on the health of the oceans and, ultimately, human survival. Marine ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining global environmental stability. Fish populations contribute to coral reef health, predators regulate fish populations, and the ocean produces over half of the world’s oxygen while regulating climate patterns. 
“Some of the biggest threats include overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. Overfishing disrupts food chains, plastic waste harms marine life, and rising temperatures affect ocean currents and biodiversity”, she said. Lauryn urges young people to be mindful of their plastic consumption, support conservation initiatives, and raise awareness about sustainable ocean practices.
She explained that a lesser-known yet critical fact is that the ocean absorbs approximately 30% of human-produced carbon dioxide, playing a role in slowing climate change. However, excessive CO₂ absorption leads to ocean acidification, threatening marine life. This interconnectedness between human actions and ocean health highlights the urgent need for responsible environmental practices.
Lauryn hopes to inspire more young Namibians to explore marine sciences, as the country boasts a rich coastline with vast opportunities for research and discovery. “There is still much to discover, particularly in deep-sea ecosystems and the long-term impacts of environmental changes. The more we understand, the better we can protect our marine resources for both now and future generations,” she concluded.