Nikita Shiel-Rolle, who delights in the title “Eagleray Empress”, has demonstrated a deep passion for the ocean, exploration, and education.  Her purpose in life is to spread Ocean love, which she does as an “Oceanpreneur”, Estate Agent, and Conservation Biologist. She holds an MSc in Biodiversity Wildlife and Ecosystem Health from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Marine Affairs from the University of Miami.

During her undergraduate career at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Science, Nikita founded Young Marine explorers, a Bahamian organisation committed to conservation and youth development. She is the owner of Cat Island Mermaid, a conservation art and wellness business, and Ocean Soul Farm, a hydroponic start-up exploring food security solutions.

A leader in driving the development of a sustainable blue economy in The Bahamas, she established the Cat Island Conservation Institute with the support of a diverse group of thought leaders in response to Hurricane Dorian which devastated the Northern Bahamian Islands in 2019. Her research focuses on developing climate-resilient communities capable of adapting to and withstanding the changing climate. 

Nikita believes that planet earth is our home and is the lifeline for future generations and that it is up to us, to show up, take pride and ownership in the ecosystems and communities that support us, and to remember that when we invest in what sustains us, we thrive.