For Krystal Facey, aquaculture was not just a career choice; she says it felt like destiny. Raised on the vibrant island of Jamaica, Krystal’s fascination with aquaculture began in childhood, visiting fish farms and catching freshwater fish with her family. But her passion truly came to life when she officially entered the field two years ago, driven by a mission to balance development with environmental sustainability.
Krystal’s work spans freshwater fish, oysters, and seaweed, focusing on the entire ecosystem's health. She is deeply involved in research projects to promote commercial aquaculture while assessing its environmental impacts. She aims to help craft policies that foster sustainable practices and protect Jamaica’s vulnerable aquatic communities.
At the upcoming Latin America and Caribbean Aquaculture Conference, Krystal will present her case study titled “Evaluation of Aquaculture Effluents and Management Practices – A Case Study for Jamaica.” Her research dives into the effects of aquaculture effluents on the environment and explores management practices that can mitigate their impact, providing crucial insights for sustainable development in the Caribbean's aquaculture sector.
Her advice to those entering the field? "Continuously read, expand your knowledge, and be ready to adapt." Krystal believes that a successful career in aquaculture requires a willingness to evolve with the industry’s challenges and innovations.”