Making aquatic sciences more Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Accessible: Perspectives on how individuals can take action in their professional practice

Achieving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the aquatic sciences has been a chronic challenge, and while recent progress has been made, shifting political and institutional landscapes increasingly jeopardize these crucial efforts. To highlight strategies on how to continue to support DEIA initiatives, the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences and the International Association for Great Lakes Research co-hosted a webinar with diverse panelists entitled Making Aquatic Science Spaces More Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive & Accessible: A Panel Discussion. Building on the webinar, we synthesize eight actions individuals in aquatic sciences can take to uphold DEIA values and dismantle barriers: (1) make safety front of mind; (2) embrace complexity and intersectionality; (3) be proactively compassionate and inclusive; (4) identify and remove barriers; (5) engage non-scientific audiences in outreach and public dialogue; (6) be ready to make mistakes and learn from them; (7) be prepared to challenge misinformation; and (8) keep dialogue open about DEIA realities. We have also included narratives which highlight lived experiences of the panelists and how these actions have been implemented in the real world. In the face of growing political and institutional challenges, advancing DEIA in aquatic sciences will increasingly rely on grassroots action, sustained by individual commitment to building a more inclusive and just community.