Beyond the Lab: Applying Social Ecology to Connect the Public with Marine Science.
Joining The Ocean Race Europe this summer to promote citizen participation in ocean science on behalf of Horizon Europe project, LandSeaLot, I was fortunate to meet Aitana Marhuenda, Activity Coordinator for The Ocean Race Museum. Her enthusiasm, energy, and extraordinary ability to engage young people and families on the topic of ocean conservation immediately stood out. A firm believer in the social side of ocean literacy, her focus represents a significant shift in the maritime world.
In recent years, The Ocean Race has moved far beyond being a mere sporting event, evolving into a platform for ocean conservation and scientific understanding. This aligns with the global momentum of the UN Ocean Decade, signalling to the marine industry that when leading organisations prioritise the health of the sea, this becomes a benchmark for everyone else to follow.
The Human Element of Scientific Rigour
While the Race’s commitment to ocean science began before Aitana joined the team, nearly 2 years ago, her appointment marks a significant milestone: she is the first scientist to be employed as the Museum’s Activity Coordinator. This choice signals an institutional effort to weave scientific rigour directly into the visitor experience. For Aitana, this role is the practical application of a turning point in her own education at the University of Alicante. Her academic progression from biology to conservation and social ecology helped her realised that even the most rigorous data requires a "social fabric" to give it impact. "We often saw the sea as a source of resources—for food or fun—but not necessarily as a subject of study for everyone," she explains.
This belief that science must be lived rather than just recorded is what drew her to the organisation. She notes that the standard of professionalism across The Ocean Race team, serves as a daily inspiration. To her, the Race is a prime example of how diverse expertise, when managed with high-level professionalism, can be harnessed for a single, cohesive environmental mission.
The Amygdala and the Art of Engagement
The depth of Aitana’s ability to enthuse families comes from a sophisticated "art of communication" she has cultivated since the age of 15. Now 26, she leverages over a decade of experience in theatre and improvisation, together with a master’s degree in teaching, to treat every interaction as a live engagement. "We try to stimulate the amygdala through activities that generate positive emotions," she says, conveying her own enthusiasm for the topic, in activities that use space and movement to maximise participation. "When the brain says: 'this is important,' the memory of what is learned is retained far more effectively.”
By turning complex topics like invasive species into interactive games, she makes scientific logic intuitive for all ages. Her work with people with functional diversity has also been foundational, helping her develop a specialised way of communicating rooted in patience and clarity—tools that ensure the museum remains an inclusive space for all.
The "Training of Trainers" Philosophy
Aitana’s dedication is fuelled by a commitment to furthering her own learning through continuous volunteer efforts. Her varied experiences—from serving as a fire lookout in the mountains of Alicante to travelling to Rwanda to work with local educators on pedagogical innovation—are all part of a larger effort to seek out "informal learning." Stepping out of her comfort zone in these disparate environments, she hones the adaptability and pedagogical tools necessary to be a better communicator. "Volunteering provides tools for my daily life," she notes.
Lessons for the Boating Industry
The shift within The Ocean Race—and the broader focus of the UN Ocean Decade—demonstrates that scientific understanding is now a core priority for the industry’s most influential players. This creates a clear opening for marinas and coastal businesses to reconsider how they engage with their own communities. Aitana’s work suggests that the social science side of conservation is just as important as the data itself; without effective communication, the most vital ecological information remains locked away in reports.
Aitana’s personal commitment to investing in her community and developing effective teaching techniques highlights a valuable trait for a marine industry eager to communicate with the wider world, bridging the gap between technical operations and public perception.
By encouraging direct contact with the sea—urging families to grab a pair of goggles and see the "benevolent" marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean, Aitana turns curiosity into a purposeful way of living. "There is a correlation between people who don’t see what’s in the sea and people who fear it," she observes. Her work shows that by investing in the social side of science, we can help ensure that the health of the ocean becomes a shared, logical priority for everyone.
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Photo credit: Vincent Curutchet - The Ocean Race Europe 2025