Iriya Jona is a Fisheries and Aquatic Scientist from Lüderitz, Namibia, and a Deputy Operations Manager at Kelp Blue, where she works at the intersection of ocean restoration, sustainable aquaculture, and biotechnology. She leads multidisciplinary teams responsible for kelp farming, kelp processing, quality management, research, and regulatory compliance, transforming cultivated kelp into natural biostimulant that support regenerative agriculture and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
With a background spanning environmental monitoring, factory establishment and running, and entrepreneurial ventures, Iriya brings a systems-level understanding of how science, policy, and communities connect in the blue economy. She has played a key role in scaling kelp-based production while embedding strong quality, environmental, and governance frameworks.
Raised far from the coast, Iriya’s journey into ocean leadership is driven by a deep belief that healthy oceans and thriving coastal communities must grow together. As an Edinburgh Ocean Leader (2026 cohort), she is committed to advancing nature-based solutions, empowering young people and women, and strengthening inclusive ocean leadership across Africa and beyond.
