Blue Carbon Ambassadors

At EarthEcho International, we recognize the power of the ocean as a source of solutions to the climate crisis. We also understand that access and connection to the ocean, and the opportunity to pursue careers that contribute to ocean-based climate solutions, is a privilege that all do not enjoy equally.

Through the Blue Carbon Ambassador Program, we introduce young people, ages 17–20, from frontline coastal communities historically excluded from ocean science and policy, to the critical role of blue carbon ecosystems - such as kelp, seagrass, mangroves, and salt marshes - in climate resilience. Through hands-on experiences with coastal restoration and resilience, participants build career skills and access valuable resources in their coastal community that may have been previously out of reach.

Meet the 2026 Blue Carbon Ambassador Cohort

This year, we're proud to welcome 13 Blue Carbon Ambassadors from six coastal regions across the United States and Canada. In each region, EarthEcho partners with local organizations to support youth-led restoration projects focused on blue carbon ecosystems.

• Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
  KC Fleming joins this year's Blue Carbon Ambassador cohort from Campbell River, British Columbia, where EarthEcho is partnering with North Island College to support kelp forest restoration.
• Houma, Louisiana, USA
  In Louisiana, EarthEcho partners with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Bayou Youth Leadership Project to support salt marsh restoration. This year's Louisiana-based Ambassadors are Gabriel Barnett, Marlett Hernandez-Fitch, Marlys Hernandez-Fitch, and Natalie Morales.
• Maine, USA
  In coastal Maine, we're partnering with the Sipayik Resilience Committee to support seaweed aquaculture efforts. Representing the region this year is Raquel Mendez.
• Puerto Rico, USA
  Together with Surfrider Puerto Rico, EarthEcho’s Blue Carbon Ambassadors are helping restore mangrove ecosystems across Puerto Rico. This year's Ambassadors are Esteban Morales Román, Ismael Agosto Rivera, Kamila Pérez, and Rui Loureiro.
• Charleston, South Carolina, USA
  In partnership with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, EarthEcho's South Carolina-based Ambassadors are supporting salt marsh restoration. This year's Ambassadors are Khamiiah Alameda and McKayla Mamaril.
• Washington, USA
  In partnership with the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, EarthEcho's Blue Carbon Ambassador, Dionicio Lawrence, is supporting kelp forest restoration in Washington while representing the region.

Interested in bringing the Blue Carbon Ambassador Program to your community in the future? If you represent an organization working to restore blue carbon ecosystems and would like to partner with EarthEcho to create opportunities for young people in your region, please contact EarthEcho’s Associate Manager of Youth Engagement, Tori Hunt, tori@earthecho.org.