The ocean is a space of discovery, learning, and connection. In this interview, Fahima shares her path into marine science and the experiences that have shaped her along the way. She also talks about her growing passion for understanding the ocean and its role in our world;
Hi Fahima. Welcome to today’s episode of Words That Count. It is an honour to have you join us
Thank you for inviting me. It is the first time I am coming across Words That Count. The work you do is very interesting. Good job!
Thank you for the kind words.
Let’s start with a brief introduction of yourself to our audience
My name is Fahima Bellabad, and I am from Algeria. I am a junior ocean mapper with a background in physical and chemical oceanography. I also have a growing interest in ocean governance and promoting open, fair, and accessible ocean data.
Currently, I am a PhD student in Climatology, Risks, and Environment at the National Higher School of Marine Sciences and Coastal Management (ENSSMAL) in Algeria. My research focuses on the Algerian Basin. I study changes in sea surface temperature and the carbonate system, and examine how the ocean absorbs and releases carbon over time.
Walk us through your journey into working with the ocean. How did you learn about this career path?
I grew up in Tiaret, in the high plateaus of Algeria, a region located roughly 200 kilometers from the sea. Tiaret is also famous for its horse festivals.
Growing up, the ocean wasn’t part of my daily life because it was far from my home. My only connection to it was during summer holidays, yet even then, I felt a sense of awe whenever I saw it. I never imagined that one day, I would study it. My journey with the ocean has evolved across different fields, guided by curiosity and the opportunities I’ve encountered. I often feel that I didn’t choose this path—it chose me.
I began with two preparatory years in marine sciences at ENSSMAL. These years allowed me to explore different areas from physics, chemistry, and mathematics to biology and geology. On small field trips, we collected rocks, shells, algae, and other marine specimens. We wanted to understand how each organism fits into its environment. Back in the lab, we analysed and sketched our findings and examined them under microscopes. This helped us discover details that were invisible to the naked eye. I even had the chance to dissect a few marine animals, which made the living ocean feel tangible and real.
After completing my preparatory years, I specialized in Management and Protection of coastlines and graduated with an engineering degree. This equipped me with the skills to study how natural processes and human activities affect vulnerable coastlines and the health of marine ecosystems. I learned how factors like erosion, sediment transport, and environmental pressures can be used to assess and mitigate risks to these fragile environments. This specialization gave me a holistic perspective. It showed me that protecting coastal zones requires understanding the delicate balance between nature and human impact. Learning alongside some of Algeria’s most passionate marine scientists was deeply inspiring. I completed the program as the top-ranked student. This milestone reinforced my dedication and curiosity to continue exploring the ocean’s many mysteries.
This path led me to my current PhD research at ENSSMAL, where I study how climate change is altering oceanic systems. My research focuses on how sea surface temperatures and ocean chemistry change over time in the Algerian Basin. I focus a lot on how carbon moves between the air and the sea, using climate reanalysis datasets. I apply time series analysis, signal processing, and phenology metrics to examine seasonal patterns, long-term trends, and the variability of carbon fluxes. Through this research, I aim to understand how oceanographic and climatic processes drive carbon exchange and the ocean’s role in climate regulation within the Algerian Basin.
While my academic journey gave me a strong theoretical foundation, it offered limited exposure to fieldwork. To bridge this gap, I applied to the prestigious NF-GEBCO scholarship. I was selected for a one-year, intensive postgraduate program in ocean mapping at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping—University of New Hampshire in the USA. It was both challenging and exciting to step aboard the 45-meter R/V Gulf Surveyor, given my then-limited experience in hydrography. On the surveyor, I worked with multibeam sonar, positioning systems, and other technologies. I even had the chance to operate the Autonomous Surface Vehicle “ Izzyboat”, something beyond what I had ever imagined. The program taught me the precision, integration, and discipline of ocean mapping and ocean science in general. It also helped to build my confidence and problem-solving skills in offshore operations.
Building on this experience, I also contributed to the NF-GEBCO Seabed 2030 project, a global initiative aiming to map 100% of the world’s ocean floor by 2030. As part of this effort, I worked at the North Pacific Regional Center on bathymetric data processing and data stewardship. This allowed me to contribute to the integration of the GEBCO Grid. The GEBCO Grid is a global, publicly available bathymetric dataset that supports ocean research, climate studies, and sustainable ocean management.
In parallel, I co-authored the commentary “Bridging the Depths in Algeria: Advancing Hydrospatial Data for Sustainable Marine Management,” a call to action to raise awareness of bathymetric data gaps in Algeria and the need for improved hydrospatial data to support sustainable marine management. Contributing to the GEBCO Grid 2025 while advocating for better bathymetric data in Algeria reinforced my commitment to open data, collaboration, and bridging global initiatives with regional needs to advance ocean science.
What are some of the challenges you have faced along this journey in marine science?
I grew up in a conservative environment where ocean science wasn’t seen as a path for someone like me. For a long time, I believed that, until I challenged my own mindset and chose this career. My journey has been shaped not only by my choices but also by the opportunities I’ve encountered and the ones I’ve had access to. Entering a male-dominated field has been difficult, and as an African woman, I often feel the need to work harder to gain the same recognition or access. The limited and highly competitive opportunities available to us make our path different, and in many ways, they define what we can achieve
How are you able to motivate yourself during moments of doubt, given the field you are working in?
In marine science, moments of doubt are normal, especially in physically and mentally demanding environments like offshore fieldwork. There have been nights on a research vessel when we barely slept because measurements had to be taken. In those moments, personal comfort takes a back seat to responsibility. Discipline means showing up, completing tasks, and supporting your team, no matter how tired you feel. Equally important is being surrounded by motivated colleagues who share the same passion. We all have highs and lows, but open communication, mutual respect, and kindness create a supportive environment that helps everyone push through challenges. Staying disciplined, collaborative, and humble allows me to navigate uncertainty, overcome doubt, and contribute meaningfully to our mission.
What are some of the most memorable experiences you have had in your career so far?
One of the most memorable moments was sailing on board the Research Vessel and Icebreaker Polarstern, from Germany to Namibia across the equator. Living at sea, surrounded by waves and constant motion, was a humbling experience. It taught me resilience, patience, and respect for the ocean, while reminding me how much we still have to learn.
I have also had various opportunities to travel and meet people from all over the world through ocean-related work. This alone has made me realize the true meaning of being united by the sea. Sharing the same passion for the ocean with people from different continents and backgrounds showed me that its future is a shared responsibility—one that connects us beyond borders.
What is your favorite quote?
“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water” ~ Rabindranath Tagore. To me, this is a reminder that where we come from does not define how far we can go. Opportunities won’t always come to you—you have to take action, be curious, and trust yourself to navigate your own path.
Do you have any words of encouragement for a young girl who is interested in marine science?
If I could talk to my younger self, I would say: Be like SpongeBob. Always stay curious, adaptable, and kind. Be ready to absorb knowledge from every person you meet along your journey, because each encounter has something to teach you.
Thank you, Fahima, for using your life experience to teach us about the ocean and how climate change is altering oceanic systems. We wish you the best with your PhD work and look forward to celebrating you more in the future.
