Limited Opportunities and Numerous Barriers to Ocean Science Careers in Under-Resourced Nations

Abstract

Both local and international careers in the ocean sciences are largely unavailable or inaccessible to interested students and graduates from under-resourced nations. Barriers to ocean science careers result from a range of region-specific factors. Financial and infrastructural resources supporting ocean science opportunities are limited. Inter- and intranational abuses of power, societal instabilities, and exploitation of communities and resources can create and exacerbate these resource deficits. Access to available resources is not evenly distributed due to societally constructed gaps in opportunity, representation, inclusion, and equity in education and in the geosciences in particular. Ocean careers in under-resourced nations are further constrained by the lack of awareness efforts and examples of real-life, societally beneficial applications of geoscience in education, as well as the absence of specialized mentors and role models.