Veronica Rotman is a marine scientist, tertiary lecturer, science communicator, and doctoral candidate. Growing up freediving and spearfishing in the frosty waters of Te Waipounamu, the ocean has fed her, grounded her, and challenged her since childhood. This lived connection - and years of quiet observation - is what drives her to protect it. Outside her research, Veronica has established and delivered remote tertiary training in sustainable aquaculture and marine science alongside mana whenua in the Te Tai Tokerau. She is also a TEDx speaker, has spoken at the United Nations Ocean Conference, and recently co-founded NZ Ocean News, a social media platform translating complex ocean policy and research into accessible, evidence-based information for the public. Her work is deeply inspired by the concept of tūpuna pono - striving to be a good ancestor, so future generations inherit an ocean of abundance, wonder, and thriving kaimoana.