Marine biologist’s tip for the young: Love what you do

Ghanaian marine biologist Juliet Ama Mawusi Edekor made the painful decision to live in a city far away from her friends and family as she deemed them a distraction. They believed that science was not a career a woman should pursue.

She persevered. Now a doctoral candidate in biological sciences at the University of Ghana (she also teaches at the University of Cape Coast), her determination to stick to her scientific path without support paid off when she was among the 30 women to receive the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Award in December 2024.

Edekor’s research about how to better conserve fish species in Ghana’s marine and freshwater ecosystems by analysing their environmental DNA (eDNA), led her to the award podium. Now she aspires to be an expert in her field in her own laboratory.

Edekor’s interest in science grew when she understood how molecular biology could transform approaches to identifying fish species. Her research taught her that a single sample can provide information about the past and present existence of fish species.

A married mother of four, she did not allow marriage or motherhood to stop her from furthering her education, an important decision as her work is crucial in identifying endangered species and helps in conservation efforts.

UWN: What motivated you to pursue your interest in science?

JE: My childhood was normal. My mother only focused on my going to school and nothing more. It was just books, books and books. I have two brothers and four sisters. I lost my mother when I was 18 and my dad when I was 23. But when my mother was not available and after she finally passed away, I had to live with her friends and family. I was not always treated well.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I told myself I had to create something unique and move away from family and friends that could negatively influence my life. I took the opportunity to work in a city far away from home and this is where I have been since. My career path started very slowly because I started my own family immediately and hardly had the chance to further my education. But I still remembered what I told myself years before and I looked for opportunities that helped me, eventually winning the award.

UWN: What does your research entail?

JE: I collect water samples for analysis in the laboratory and take some measurements such as temperature and salinity. My research involves the use of a technique called metabarcoding, a molecular biology tool to determine the genetic component of a sample to classify, discover and help conserve fish species. This metabarcoding technique uses eDNA obtained from water samples collected from the water body instead of extracting the DNA from the fish for analysis.

This method is safe for the environment and the fish, cheaper, and less time-consuming. This eDNA also provides information on fish species that have existed before in that environment and even those that can’t be caught because their numbers are low. This research will give information about species that exist in a particular ecosystem, the various types of a particular species, species that are endangered and ones that are invasive. Information generated can be used for policy-making in fishery management and conservation. Studying the marine ecosystem is very important to ensure its sustainable use.

UWN: You used to be afraid of being in water for long periods. How did you overcome the fear?

JE: When the technician who helped me to collect samples made me start sampling from a lagoon where the water is calmer. He also took me to an estuary at low tide and made me sample by standing in the water to feel the waves coming from the sea. Gradually I was able to stay in lagoons, rivers and estuaries for longer periods so I would be able to sample effectively. I have been able to stay in such places for a maximum of three hours to complete a sampling period.

UWN: What type of canoes do you use when you collect samples?

JE: Most of the canoes I use are outboard motor-operated. In shallow water and at low tide, we use canoes with paddles. It is mostly not dangerous using a canoe because we wear life jackets, sampling is done at low tide or when the water body is calm, and experienced technical staff and fishermen are employed in the manoeuvring of the canoes. Bigger boats can also be used.

UWN: Have you had unsettling experiences while collecting samples?

JE: The scariest moment was when I stood in an estuary and I felt the waves on my feet, but I had to move through them to be able to collect my samples at different points. At that point, I felt as if the water was going to carry me away.

UWN: Are our rivers and dams in trouble?

JE: Yes, most rivers and dams are threatened by illegal mining, commercial aquaculture farms and the regular spillage from rivers into dams. Solutions lie in enforcement and monitoring of conservation and sustainable laws.

UWN: What about Africa’s fish populations? Should people stop fishing?

JE: Africa’s fish populations are dwindling because of the illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing practices going on, such as the use of small mesh size, dynamite and light fishing. Yes, species are in danger, especially some shark species. People shouldn’t stop fishing, but fishing should be regulated and methods other than aquaculture should be encouraged.

UWN: What is your favourite fish?

JE: I don’t have a favourite fish. I just look out for the ones that have good colour and more flesh and are juicy to eat.

UWN: What tips do you have for aspiring marine biologists?

JE: I have only one thing to say: love what you do and continue to aspire to look for ways and means to achieve your objectives. Marine biology is everywhere and fun to pursue.