Sheena Talma is a marine biologist from Seychelles focusing on deep-sea ecosystems and understanding fish species distribution in the South West Indian Ocean using visual surveys. Her work previously centered on genetics and fisheries, and she has participated in numerous expeditions across the Indian Ocean, including both EEZs and high seas, contributing valuable insights into these largely unexplored environments. To her knowledge, she is the first female Seychellois to head to Antarctica, with the only other record being a male photographer.
As a freelance consultant, Sheena collaborates with local and international organisations, advancing marine research and policy initiatives globally. She serves as a scientific advisor to the Seychelles government within the BBNJ Treaty realm. Sheena has began several initiatives in the Seychelles around accessible technology and is working to democratise the deep Ocean in her region.
Sheena earned her master’s degree in genetics from Rhodes University in South Africa and is now pursuing a DPhil at the University of Oxford, using visual data collected in the Indian Ocean. She is passionate about fostering diverse collaborations and promoting deep-sea science in the Western Indian Ocean Region (and Beyond).
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