Kristal Ambrose

Kristal Ambrose is a Bahamian marine biologist and environmental activist. In 2013, she founded the Bahamas Plastic Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing plastic pollution. She was awarded the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize for her work in convincing the Bahamian government to ban single-use plastics, including common disposable items like bags, straws, and containers. Ambrose studied Fisheries Management and Aquaculture at Hocking College and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Gannon University. She also has a Master of Science in Marine Affairs from Dalhousie University. Ambrose began studying for a Doctor of Philosophy at the World Maritime University in 2020. Her doctoral thesis is entitled "Contextual Barriers Facing Caribbean SIDS in the Global Governance of Plastic Pollution: Assessing the need for harmonised marine debris monitoring and contextual equity to support participation in the global plastics treaty negotiations by Caribbean SIDS".

Activism and research In 2013, Ambrose began working on a citizen science initiative called the Plastic Beach Project, studying the amount of plastic on beaches. Alongside the Plastic Pollution Education and Ocean Conservation Camp, Ambrose also runs a Junior Plastic Warriors Environmental Program. She gained international recognition for her efforts to combat plastic pollution in the Bahamas, culminating in her receipt of the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2020. Ambrose's initiatives have notably engaged local youth in environmental advocacy.

Awards 2014 Environmental Youth Leader Award (from the Government of the Bahamas)