Ángeles Sáez
Digital Documentation Manager
Oceana Staff
I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, and hold a degree in Political Science and Sociology, along with postgraduate studies in Libraries and Documentation Services.
Memories of my childhood and teenage years are closely tied to the Cantabrian Sea. I spent long hours on the sand at La Salvé beach, surrounded by the sound of waves and the unmistakable smell of salted fish and sardines drifting from the fishing port of Laredo. Some of my happiest moments were quiet afternoons on the wharf with a book, watching the sea and the constant movement of boats coming and going.
Over the years, I have witnessed how this working port has changed. Fishing boats have gradually disappeared, canning operations have closed, and concrete has replaced much of what once defined the harbor. Today, recreational boats dominate the moorings, and what remains of the old fishing port survives mostly in photographs and memories.
Working at Oceana has allowed me to reconnect with that maritime world from a new perspective. My role has helped me learn to identify boats, fishing gear, and marine species that were once unfamiliar, while gaining a deeper understanding of the extraordinary diversity of ocean life and the threats it faces. The seabed images that cross my screen every day reveal how much of the ocean remains unknown, while also serving as evidence to expose illegal fishing practices. They are a form of peaceful advocacy, showing that life still thrives beneath the surface and must be protected.
Outside of work, I find joy in reading, music, traveling, and spending time near the sea, which continues to shape how I see the world and why ocean protection matters to me.
