About Me

My name is Elsa Gutierrez, and I’ve known since the 10th grade, that I wanted to be a marine biologist. That dream first surfaced during a high school career day, but it was confirmed in 2015 on a study abroad trip to Belize, when I earned my open water SCUBA certification. At 60 feet on a wall dive, a spotted eagle ray passed by, as in slow motion, across the blue horizon — a moment that grounded everything I wanted my life to be: ocean-driven, curious, and purposeful.

I began my academic path at Texas A&M University at Galveston, studying marine biology and volunteering in the Shark Biology and Fisheries Science Lab under Dr. David Wells. There, I processed shark vertebrae and fish otoliths, analyzed stomach contents, and supported field work such as acoustic tagging. I later continued at Louisiana State University, completing my master’s in oceanography and coastal sciences in the Fisheries and Movement Ecology Lab under Dr. Mike Dance. My thesis focused on the life history and mortality of blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus), reinforcing my passion for fisheries science and sustainability.

Seeking to connect science with policy, I moved to Washington, D.C. as a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow at NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. I went on to work in NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Highly Migratory Species, contributing to fishery management plans, exempted fishing permits, climate vulnerability assessments, and components of the Individual Bluefin Tuna Quota program. I collaborated with scientists, stakeholders, anglers, and tournament organizers to communicate regulations and policy actions. In February 2025, I entered the government deferred resignation program, turning toward a new chapter rooted in sharing fishy topics—stories, science, and the ocean. I realized that science often stays locked behind academic walls and policy meetings. Fishy Topics was created to open that world to everyone—students, families, anglers, and ocean lovers.

I am SCUBA certified in Open Water, Advanced, Nitrox, Rescue, and Master Diver, and I’m currently working toward my Divemaster certification. Whether underwater, in the field, or shaping policy, the ocean has always been my compass.


  • Founder

    I’m Elsa Gutierrez, a marine biologist and fisheries scientist whose passion began in 10th grade and crystallized during a 2015 dive in Belize. Since then, I’ve studied sharks and tuna, earned my master’s at LSU, worked in federal marine policy with NOAA, and pursued advanced SCUBA certifications — now on my way to Divemaster. My life is rooted in the ocean: science, conservation, and fishy topics.

Team

A small but mighty school.
Powered by one scientist, one mom, one pup, and one divine supervisor.

  • After 20 years as a kindergarten teacher, she’s the creative eye behind the camera. She makes sure the lighting is right, the content flows, and that I speak clearly (and slowly). She checks the angles, hits record, recenters the frame, and always reminds me to take a breath.

“In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
— Job 12:10

  • She’s our emotional support girl — offering hugs, licks, and barks to remind us when it’s break and cuddle time. Daisy restores our energy, helps us refocus, and gives all the encouragement we never knew we needed.