The Blue Economy is driven not only by what we can see in the ocean, but also by the invisible processes that sustain life on Earth. From carbon cycling to marine biotechnology, understanding the ocean at a molecular level is opening new opportunities for innovation, climate action, and sustainable development.
In this edition of our interview series, we’re speaking with Dr. Teresa S. Catalá, a marine biochemist and ocean entrepreneur whose work explores the hidden molecular diversity of the ocean. As Founder and Director of Strait Ocean, she combines marine science, innovation, and entrepreneurship to connect research, technology, and the Blue Economy through responsible ocean solutions.
Meet Teresa S. Catalá
Current Role: Founder & Director, Strait Ocean
Industry: Marine Biochemistry, Marine Biotechnology, Blue Economy Innovation
Focus Areas: Ocean carbon, dissolved organic matter (DOM), marine biotechnology, ocean innovation, scientific entrepreneurship
Organization: Strait Ocean
Strait Ocean is a non-profit initiative based in Spain that aims to connect marine science, technology, innovation, and training. Using the Strait of Gibraltar as a natural laboratory, the initiative promotes responsible Blue Economy development through collaboration between researchers, industry, public institutions, and local communities.
What inspired you to pursue this path?
Teresa’s passion for the ocean began during childhood.
Growing up close to the sea, she became fascinated by what lay beneath the surface and the many questions the ocean still held.
«I remember looking at the horizon and feeling a strong curiosity about what was beneath the surface: what lived there, how everything was connected, and what remained unknown.»
As her scientific career developed, that curiosity evolved into a fascination with the ocean’s invisible world: dissolved organic matter (DOM), one of the largest carbon reservoirs on Earth and a fundamental component of the global carbon cycle.
«That changed the way I understood the ocean. It was not only a beautiful and powerful ecosystem, but also a complex biochemical engine that helps regulate the Earth system.»
Over time, her interest expanded beyond fundamental research towards applying marine science to innovation, sustainability, and responsible Blue Economy solutions.
A Day in the Life
Teresa’s work combines science, entrepreneurship, project development, and leadership.
Her days include writing research proposals, designing new scientific initiatives, reading scientific literature, and developing strategies that connect marine science with Blue Economy innovation.
She also collaborates with researchers, engineers, institutions, public organisations, and potential partners while continuing to develop Strait Ocean as a platform for science, technology, and training.
Earlier in her career, much of her work focused on laboratory analyses, field sampling, and oceanographic campaigns. Today, while science remains at the core of her work, her role increasingly focuses on creating opportunities between research, innovation, and society.
The Exciting and Challenging Aspects of the Job
For Teresa, one of the most fascinating aspects of her work is exploring a part of the ocean that remains largely invisible.
«Dissolved organic matter cannot be seen with the naked eye, yet it represents an enormous molecular universe connected to carbon cycling, microbial life, climate regulation and even potential biotechnological applications.»
One of her most memorable experiences took place during an oceanographic expedition, when she held seawater collected from thousands of metres below the ocean surface.
«Feeling that cold water in my hands was very powerful: it made me realize that I was holding something that had travelled through the deep ocean and carried a hidden chemical history of the planet.»
More recently, she has found great motivation in developing Strait Ocean and imagining the Strait of Gibraltar as a living laboratory for marine science, ocean technology, and responsible Blue Economy innovation.
At the same time, Teresa explains that much of scientific work happens behind the scenes.
Writing proposals, securing funding, coordinating teams, organising logistics, and building collaborations all require significant time and perseverance.
She also reflects on the challenges of balancing an international scientific career with motherhood.
«Motherhood has changed the way I see my work. It has made me even more aware of the importance of building a sustainable future and creating scientific careers that are more human, inclusive and compatible with life.»
Key Skills for Success
Teresa believes that today’s marine scientists need both technical expertise and the ability to work across disciplines.
Technical Skills:
- Oceanography
- Marine biogeochemistry
- Chemistry and microbiology
- Analytical chemistry
- High-resolution mass spectrometry
- Data analysis
Soft Skills:
- Curiosity
- Resilience
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Creativity and vision
She believes that the future of marine science depends not only on generating knowledge, but also on transforming it into practical solutions for society.
«The ocean sector needs people who can generate knowledge, but also translate it into sustainability, innovation and responsible solutions for society.»
Work-Life Balance & Career Satisfaction
Although Teresa feels her current salary does not fully reflect her experience and workload, she remains committed to building a career with long-term impact.
She values the opportunity to combine science, entrepreneurship, and innovation while continuing to develop projects that connect research with society.
Future Outlook: Where is the Industry Heading?
Looking ahead, Teresa sees her career evolving towards what she describes as translational ocean science.
Her goal is to bridge fundamental marine research with technology, innovation, and industrial applications.
She also hopes to develop new ways of accessing and characterising dissolved organic matter on a larger scale, unlocking its potential for marine biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and Blue Economy innovation.
Ultimately, she sees herself evolving beyond traditional academic research.
«I see my future role less as someone who only generates scientific data, and more as a scientific entrepreneur and ecosystem builder.»
Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Teresa encourages young professionals not to be afraid of following unconventional paths.
«Don’t be afraid of following a non-linear path.»
She also believes it is important to trust your own ideas, even when they do not fit established categories.
Looking back, she has learned that a successful career is measured not only by publications or positions, but also by the impact you create, the people you work with, and the life you build around your work.
Follow Teresa’s Work
Readers can follow Teresa’s work through LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and ORCID, where she shares her research and updates on marine science and Blue Economy innovation.
They can also follow Strait Ocean, the non-profit initiative she is developing to connect ocean science, technology, training, and responsible Blue Economy innovation around the Strait of Gibraltar.
Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews with professionals shaping the future of the Blue Economy!
📢 Know someone with an exciting career in marine sciences or the Blue Economy? Let us know—we’d love to feature them!