Transforming fisheries for a healthy ocean

About

Blue Transitions is a small team of marine social scientists, ecologists and policy experts dedicated to equitable ocean governance and sustainable fisheries. We specialise in community-led, place-based solutions that enable fishing groups, coastal communities, and Indigenous groups to shape their own sustainable ocean futures.

We recognise that each fishery and coastal community is unique, requiring a tailored approach that reflects local priorities, challenges, and aspirations. Accordingly, our approach is highly adaptive—we work closely with local communities, fishing groups, governments, scientists, and other stakeholders to co-design strategies that align with local interests, while being practical, equitable, and ecologically sound.

At our core, we belief that sustainable fisheries and ocean stewardship are strongest when rooted in local leadership, draw on diverse knowledge systems, and are driven by collective action.

By fostering meaningful partnerships and inclusive decision-making, we help shape resilient fisheries and ocean policies that safeguard ecosystems, livelihoods and culture for generations to come.

Creating transformative change

Identify your starting point

We work with you to understand your current position and potential challenges in achieving your goals.

Clarify your vision

We help you define what is it you want to achieve and what success looks like.

It could be more sustainable practices, better policies, more equitable governance or management, or eco-certification.

Navigate the gap

We work alongside you to develop a strategy and implement desired changes to keep you moving towards your goals.

This is the most challenging — and rewarding — part of the journey.

Make it stick

We will help you keep from backsliding by ensuring changes are formalised in legislation, codes of conduct, and ongoing practices.

How we can help

  • We work with you to develop comprehensive and adaptive strategies for the sustainable management of marine resources and ecosystems. Key areas include:

    • Collaborative envisioning and goal setting processes

    • Gathering and assessing available information to understand your current situation

    • Policy and governance design

    • Assessing risks and uncertainties to inform transition planning

    • Transition strategies and guidance

  • Embarking on a journey of fishery improvement requires a tailored and comprehensive approach. Whether you are entering into a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), engaging in the In-Transition to MSC (ITM) program, or interested in general improvements, we can support you each step of the way:

    • Fishery performance and sustainability assessments

    • Stakeholder engagement and collaboration

    • Goal setting and objectives

    • Customised Action Plan development and adaptation

    • Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

  • We specialise in crafting and implementing strategic policies to drive sustainable fisheries management. Our key services include:

    • Define fishery objectives and management goals

    • Collaborative policy development

    • In-depth policy research to ensure policies are evidence-based and effective for your context

    • Strategic implementation plans with timeframes, responsibilities and communication plans

    • Training and capacity building support for local stakeholders

    • Policy evaluation and recommendations for refinement

    • Stakeholder mapping and analysis

    • Collaborative visioning and strategy workshops

    • Shifts toward more equitable governance, with effective local participation in decision-making processes

    • Capacity building initiatives, including research and monitoring skills

    • Consultation and stakeholder surveys to monitor perceptions and concerns

  • We are passionate about supporting emerging science leaders by creating a supportive environment for skill development and career advancement. This includes:

    • Leadership skill development including effective communication, team leadership and leadership in scientific communities

    • Networking and collaboration support to identify and connect with relevant contacts and opportunities

    • Publication and presentation guidance

    • Strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance in this fast-paced world

    • Grant and funding application assistance

    • Professional development workshops, supervisor engagement to project management

Projects

  • Establishing community-based fisheries management at Christmas Island

  • Promoting for safe and sustainable human-shark interactions at Cocos (Keeling) Islands

  • Working with community leaders to co-design marine research at Australia's Indian Ocean Territories

  • Assessing the ecological sustainability of WA Octopus and Sea Cucumber fisheries against the MSC standard

  • Exploring fisheries impacts from solar salt production along Western Australia's Pilbara coast

Meet our Founder

Dr. Kendra Thomas Travaille is a marine social-ecological scientist, facilitator, and policy advisor with over 15 years of experience in fisheries sustainability, marine conservation, and transformative environmental governance. She specialises in fishery transformations, helping communities, governments, and stakeholders navigate the transition toward co-management, sustainability, and equitable ocean governance.

Kendra is passionate about collaborative, context-based solutions and works closely with fishing groups, coastal communities, and policymakers to develop practical, locally grounded strategies. She has extensive experience in evaluating fishery impacts, addressing knowledge gaps, shaping policy, and strengthening fisheries management.

A certified assessor for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fisheries standard (v2.01), Kendra has worked extensively in Western Australia and Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories, as well as internationally in Indonesia, Honduras, and the Bahamas.

Get in touch!

Get in touch to learn more about our services and to discuss your vision.