Beyond the research: How Pisces Oceans connects science, strategy and storytelling

Ocean research can shape policy, help coastal communities and change how industries operate. Getting from a discovery to something people can use takes more than a final report.

That’s where strategy and storytelling come in.

“The real work begins when a project ends,” says Natalie Gilson, CEO and Director of Pisces Oceans. The Halifax-based ocean communications consultancy helps researchers and innovators reach the people who can turn their work into action.

Pisces Oceans has roots dating back to 2017, when it launched as a project management company supporting ocean research initiatives. For Gilson, storytelling has always been central to both her life and career. She traces her connection to the ocean back to a family canoe outing when she was two, when a harbour seal surfaced beside them. After running her own creative studio for seven years, she wanted to put her branding and storytelling skills toward something she cared about.

That passion came full circle in 2023 when she joined Pisces Oceans to expand its science communications work. Then, in early 2025, when the company’s founder decided to step away, Gilson took the opportunity to lead its next chapter.

“I’m an entrepreneur at heart, so it was an easy yes, and a chance to shape Pisces into the company I believe the ocean sector needs.”

As the company evolved, the team identified a growing gap in the sector. While researchers and innovators excelled at generating knowledge, many needed support turning that work into meaningful engagement. For a time, Pisces offered a mix of communications, project management and grant management services. Today, the company focuses on communications, helping important research reach the people who can act on it.

“Once the research is done and the data is collected, that work has the opportunity to become something meaningful. Instead of sitting on a shelf, how can that research move things forward for communities, policy and the ocean? That’s the role communications plays: taking science and giving it impact,” says Gilson.

That focus on supporting others also shapes how Gilson leads the 100% women-owned company. For her, collaboration is central to the approach.

"Being woman-owned means seeing things a little differently from the traditional way. That might mean coming at a collaboration from a different angle, treating the company as a caregiver for the ocean, or putting teamwork ahead of competition," says Gilson.

Looking ahead, Pisces Oceans is doubling down on its mission to build capacity across the ocean sector, with a focus on supporting ocean projects, leaders and teams through communications and storytelling.

“The next phase of Pisces is about support. We want to walk in and say: we’re here to back your team and strengthen their work,” says Gilson.

“We bring tools for ocean communications and storytelling that help projects reach their goals, get technology adopted, turn ideas into impact, and create the positive ocean change the people we work with care so much about.”

For Pisces Oceans, the future is about helping more people across the global ocean industry use communications to turn research and ideas into meaningful change.