Hailey Shchepanik, an early career ocean professional, currently an Aquatic Science Biologist and Scientific Diver with Fisheries and Oceans Canada on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, carried WINGS Flag #40 on the Darwin200 Global Voyage Research Project: Assessing the impact of marine debris on the translocation of aquatic invasive species.

The Darwin200 is a global conservation initiative that aims to retrace Darwin’s journey on the HMS Beagle while providing a unique platform to support research into many of the world’s most critical environmental problems. The Darwin200 is a two-year expedition, at approximately 75,000 nautical miles. Shchepanik sailed on Leg 25 from Sydney, Australia, to Hobart, Tasmania.

Shchepanik surveyed the biodiversity and community composition of marine debris-associated organisms and explore the role of marine debris in transporting non-native species across biogeographic barriers. Considering marine debris is a growing issue in our oceans–threatening biodiversity, marine life, and ecosystem health–this timely research will fill important knowledge gaps. Darwin200 global research projects will contribute to long-term scientific datasets and be used to identify conservation solutions.

A key component of this expedition will be to empower promising young conservationists (Darwin Leaders, one from each of 200 countries and states around the world) to become environmental leaders through mentorship and hands-on research experience. They will be creating the “World’s Most Exciting Classroom” by streaming research activities, experiments, essay competitions and weekly “nature hour” events to millions of students across the globe. 

After a decade of gaining research experience at several international universities, Shchepanik is focused on using her unique skills as a scientist to conduct research and contribute to the local and global community through education and expedition leadership. Her dream: to become a globally connected Dive Safety Officer, Marine Scientist, and Expedition Leader. Hailey believes that being a WINGS Flag Carrier will contribute to her overarching goal: to share the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to facilitate and inspire others to explore and advocate for our oceans’ most critically understudied and inaccessible ecosystems.