Exploring Careers in the Blue Economy: Interview with Charlie Sarria (story-teller at National Geographic Spain)

The Blue Economy offers a diverse range of career paths, from marine biology to sustainable business initiatives. To shed light on these opportunities, we’re launching a series of interviews with professionals who have carved out unique roles in this sector. Through their stories, we’ll explore the skills, challenges, and opportunities shaping careers in the blue sectors—offering valuable insights for those looking to make a difference in the ocean economy.

Our next guest is Charlie Sarria, a passionate marine biologist who has made a career out of working on the front lines of marine conservation. With a deep love for the ocean and fieldwork, Charlie shares his journey and insights into the challenges and rewards of working in marine biology.

Meet Charlie Sarria

• Current Role: Marine Biologist, Field Researcher & Story-teller
• Industry: Marine Biology, Ocean Conservation, Research
• Company: Co-founder and researcher at Condrik Tenerife 

What inspired you to pursue a career in marine biology?

Charlie’s love for the ocean began in his childhood. His connection to the sea and fascination with marine life became his driving force to pursue a career in marine biology.
"For as long as I can remember, I knew that my life would revolve around the sea. As a child, I was always exploring the coastlines, diving, and learning about marine life. My passion grew stronger over time, and I realized that working in marine biology would allow me to combine my love for the ocean with scientific research."

A Day in the Life

Charlie’s days are as varied as the ocean itself, with no two being exactly the same. From collecting data in the field to analyzing samples in the lab, his role demands flexibility and adaptability. "Every day is totally different. Having several research projects going on at once means that I might be in the field collecting data one day, in the lab analyzing results the next, and then traveling for conferences or meetings. Flexibility is key in this field."

The Exciting and Challenging Aspects of the Job

The excitement of working as a marine biologist comes from the constant discovery of new things. For Charlie, the unknowns of the ocean are both exhilarating and motivating. "The unknown. The ocean is unpredictable, and you never know what you'll discover. One of the most memorable experiences was diving to observe a rare species that hadn't been seen in the area for decades. That moment made me realize just how valuable our work is for understanding and preserving marine ecosystems."

However, the job also comes with significant challenges. Charlie points out the physical demands of the role and the unpredictable nature of fieldwork. "You must be physically fit and ready to work under challenging conditions. Sometimes it means spending long hours in the field, dealing with extreme weather, or carrying heavy equipment. It's physically demanding and requires a lot of resilience, which many people don’t realize when they think of marine biology."

Key Skills for Success

Charlie emphasizes the importance of both technical and soft skills in his profession.

• Technical Skills: Expertise in marine ecology, data collection, field research methods, and environmental analysis.
• Soft Skills: Adaptability, effective communication, leadership in the field, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Work-Life Balance & Career Satisfaction

Charlie is passionate about his work, but he also values a healthy work-life balance. "I’m very satisfied with my work-life balance. I have enough time off to recharge, which is crucial in such a demanding field. It allows me to spend time with family and friends, keeping me grounded and motivated."

Regarding salary, Charlie is more critical. "I am very dissatisfied with my salary. My compensation does not match the amount of responsibility I carry, nor does it reflect the expertise required for this job. There’s a significant gap between the financial rewards and the value of the work we do."

Future Outlook: Where is the Industry Heading?

Charlie sees the future of marine biology as one full of innovation and new opportunities. He highlights the increasing role of technology in marine conservation. "In the next 10 years, I see marine biology evolving with the integration of more technology, such as AI-driven monitoring systems for marine ecosystems and the development of sustainable aquaculture. The rise of digital tools for data collection and analysis will transform the way we study marine life."

He also believes the field will see more interdisciplinary collaboration across sectors, which will be crucial for addressing global ocean challenges. "I foresee a future where collaboration between marine biologists, environmental scientists, and policymakers will be more integrated. It will be essential for tackling the global challenges our oceans face."

Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals

For those looking to enter the field, Charlie offers this piece of advice: "I would tell my younger self to enjoy every second of the journey. Working at sea is a privilege, and it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of work. But if you take the time to appreciate the beauty of the ocean and the incredible work you're doing, it makes everything more rewarding."

Follow Charlie’s Work

Want to learn more about Charlie’s initiatives? Follow his work on:

• Instagram: @charliesarria

Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews with professionals shaping the future of the Blue Economy!

📢 Know someone with an exciting career in marine sciences or the Blue Economy? Let us know—we’d love to feature them!