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.

This paid Ambassador program is specifically structured as an introductory program that requires no previous coursework or experience with ocean science or aquaculture. This is a chance for young people to get their “hands wet” with coastal restoration for the very first time!

Benefits for Ambassadors include a $500 USD stipend, all expenses paid travel experience to our Blue Carbon Ambassador Retreat, support to lead a blue carbon restoration project in their local community, networking, and professional learning opportunities focused on ocean restoration. Participants also connect with and learn from fellow young ocean advocates from across North America. 

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.

In 2026, Blue Carbon Ambassadors will:

  • Participate in virtual training: Twice-weekly sessions from June–July 2026 with industry leaders will guide Ambassadors through the process of designing projects that support the restoration of blue carbon ecosystems in their home communities.
  • Attend the EarthEcho Youth Ambassadors Retreat: Scheduled for August 6–10, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The fully funded retreat covers travel, lodging, and meals. Ambassadors will convene with the full cohort to experience blue carbon research facilities, regenerative ocean aquaculture, and workshops to finalize community-based projects.
  • Develop and implement community projects: Ambassadors will design and execute local restoration projects (organizing a community outreach/volunteer restoration day) in collaboration with the community-based organizations in their region. Projects will be developed during the summer and implemented between August - December 2026, with monthly check-ins to support project execution.

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.