Meet Natali Delorme

Natali is an aquaculture scientist working at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, focusing on shellfish stress and health physiology. As part of her current role, she investigates how external conditions such as temperature, nutrition, genetics and transport affect the normal functioning of marine animals. Most of the research that she leads address knowledge gaps that are highly relevant for the aquaculture sector in New Zealand. A big part of this research is enabled by the Shellfish Aquaculture Research Platform, MBIE funded Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF), of which the main mandate is to grow, diversify, and secure seafood production for future generations.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

“ As a scientist I am very curious, and I love having the opportunity to investigate the things that I am passionate about such as figuring out and understanding the mechanisms associated with the stress response and how we can harness that knowledge to grow and protect our marine resources. As part of my job, I also interact a lot with different stakeholders and that is something that I really enjoy, as listening to the experience of the people who are invested in the field is extremely valuable for my research. Being able to help a sustainable, environmentally friendly industry grow is one of the highlights of what I do, together with helping to build the next generation of scientists by mentoring interns and supervising students. ”

How did you come to be involved in aquaculture?

“ After finishing my PhD at Auckland University studying the effects of ocean warming on sea urchins, in 2017 I started a post-doctoral position at the Cawthron Institute that enabled me to put my knowledge and experience into practice in a more applied setting, investigating and developing tools to study health and stress in mussel spat, a key life stage for one of the most iconic seafood species in New Zealand. ”

Why do you think WoAA is important?

“ I believe that a group like WoAA is important for all women, scientists and non-scientists, related to aquaculture to interact and support each other. A community like WoAA can also increase networking among women involved in aquaculture, helping grow existing, and catalysing new collaborations.

Also, women currently working in aquaculture who are members of WoAA can mentor, advice and inspire younger women who wish to be part of the aquaculture world in Aotearoa. ”

What is something you are passionate about?

“ I am passionate about science and how we can use it to help grow the industry. I am also passionate about my family, friends, my cats, nature, all animals, the sea, and food! ”

What is your favourite seafood?

“ I love oysters! I also enjoy other seafood such as prawns and fish, but nothing beats the sweet taste of raw oysters in a dressing of lemon juice, salt and pepper, accompanied by a slice of bread with butter. Yum! ”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“ In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and at home with my cats. I also love crafting, crochet, watercolour paint, playing the ukelele, cooking and baking. ”

Do you have any advice or support for women working in or looking to work in aquaculture in Aotearoa?

“ My advice to women working in or looking to work in aquaculture in Aotearoa is to find passion in what you do. It is always better to do something that you are passionate about as you will potentially do that for the rest of your life.

Another piece of advice is to find someone to talk about your desires, or frustrations, of working in aquaculture. Finding a friend or a mentor can really help to decide whether aquaculture is for you or not as they will tell you all about working in aquaculture. ”

Is there anything else you would like to say or share?

“ I am excited to be part of WoAA and for the potential impact that this community can have across the board. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk about being a woman in aquaculture or if you want to discuss more ‘sciencey’ things. I am always happy to connect and explore potential collaborations. “