Chelsey Karbowski began working at APC in June 2021 as the Fisheries Coordinator. As part of her role, she coordinates and liaises with the fisheries managers and directors in the Atlantic First Nations communities. Chelsey also facilitates and coordinates the Commercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinators (CFLCs) quarterly meetings and works with the CFLCs on participation at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) advisory committee meetings in the Atlantic. She also works with the Canadian Coast Guard Indigneous Working Group, which is made up of members from the Canadian Coast Guard – Atlantic Region (CCG), DFO Human Resources, and various First Nation groups across the Atlantic, who focus on the recruitment and retention of First Nation members within the CCG. Chelsey also assists with coordinating the Annual Fisheries Conference and Awards Banquet.

In 2013, Chelsey completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Aquatic Resources with a Double Advanced Major in Public Policy and Social Research from St. Francis Xavier University. During her studies, she was also an active member of both the Aquatic Resources and Indigenous societies. In 2015, Chelsey moved to Iceland to complete her Master’s Degree in Resource Management from the University of Akureyri. Prior to her work with APC, Chelsey has worked with different Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs) with a focus on Ocean Conservation. Her specialization has grown to range from Atlantic Canadian fisheries, species at risk, policy, microplastics research and waste management to the sustainable management of important spaces.

Chelsey believes in supporting Indigenous commercial fisheries activities, as a proud Indigenous woman who has been raised in Unama’ki, and to appreciate what we share with nature. When not at work, Chelsey enjoys spending time with her German Shepherd Maya, playing beach volleyball, and being close to the waters of Nova Scotia.