Francesca Trotman
Francesca Trotman is the passionate founder of Love the Oceans, a nonprofit organization making a profound impact on marine conservation and community empowerment in Mozambique. With a background in marine biology, Francesca turned a life-changing encounter with unsustainable shark finning into a powerful mission to protect the ocean and its inhabitants.
Perfection isn't something that comes about with luck. It is produced by years of repetition and pushing oneself to perfect their process.
From leading the charge to designate Jangamo Bay as a Mission Blue Hope Spot to empowering local women through groundbreaking programs like Sea Her, Francesca’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots conservation. In this interview, she shares her story, challenges, and hopes for the future.
Let’s go back to the beginning. Was there a particular moment that inspired you to create Love the Oceans?
Love The Oceans began with a single, unforgettable moment during a dive trip in Mozambique, whilst studying marine biology at University. Witnessing a shark being finned – a majestic creature reduced to a victim of unsustainable practices – lit a fire in me. The sharks were being exploited unsustainably and it wasn’t something I could ignore and walk away from. That moment, combined with the vibrant marine life and the warmth of the local community gave me the ‘this is where I’m meant to be’ feeling. It’s a constant reminder that every small action can create lasting change.
What’s one memory that stands out to you from your first days in Mozambique?
One vivid memory from my early days in Mozambique is sitting on the beach, watching humpback whales breach during their migration. The scale of the migration was breathtaking, and it hit me just how interconnected everything is – the whales, the people, the ocean. I kept coming back because of the sheer natural beauty of Jangamo and the deep connection I felt with our local community. It wasn’t just about seeing the marine life; it was about creating something meaningful to protect it.
A Hope Spot for the Ocean
Love the Oceans was designated as a Hope Spot by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue - amazing! Can you share what it took to achieve this? And how did it feel when you realized this recognition was happening?
Being designated as a Hope Spot by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue was an incredible milestone for Love the Oceans. The recognition came after we submitted a detailed application highlighting the unique biodiversity of Jangamo and our ongoing work to protect it. It felt like a huge step forward for our goal of establishing a Marine Protected Area (MPA). As a small grassroots charity, it’s easy to get immersed in the day-to-day work, so receiving this kind of international recognition was not only validating but also motivating. It reminded us that the world is watching and rooting for us, which is both humbling and energizing.
For those on community outreach, the day is spent teaching or working on projects like swimming lessons for children, which take place on Saturdays. Evenings bring the team together for dinner, sharing stories and reflecting on the day. For staff and management, there’s also a fair share of admin and meetings with community leaders, but the passion for conservation makes every moment worth it. What many people don’t realize is how much of our work is about building relationships and trust within the community – it’s just as vital as the research itself.
The Big One
If you had to sum up Love the Oceans in just one sentence, capturing its essence and impact, what would it be?
Love The Oceans is a small but mighty grassroots organization committed to empowering communities and conserving our oceans, ensuring thriving ecosystems for generations to come.
For those on community outreach, the day is spent teaching or working on projects like swimming lessons for children, which take place on Saturdays. Evenings bring the team together for dinner, sharing stories and reflecting on the day. For staff and management, there’s also a fair share of admin and meetings with community leaders, but the passion for conservation makes every moment worth it. What many people don’t realize is how much of our work is about building relationships and trust within the community – it’s just as vital as the research itself.
