Our Story

Inspired by their passion for marine life and their firsthand experience as two of the few Black youth in the programs they've been a part of over the past eight years, identical twins, Kamaura and Jasmine founded the Black Pearl Conservation Crew (BPCC). Their goal is to inspire a passion for marine conservation and  to address the lack of representation and opportunity for Black youth in ocean science and conservation. 

Their story began in their early childhood, around five years of age, when they both developed a profound love for the ocean during a family vacation in the Bahamas. For Kamaura, it was the captivating allure of marine animals that sparked her interest, leading her to immerse herself in marine science from a young age. Jasmine's journey took shape through a transformative kayaking experience, where she encountered a distressed seal whom she felt powerless to help. This encounter ignited her determination to be a voice for marine animals in need. 

Their path has led them through programs and internships at renowned institutions like the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental and Sustainability, the Ocean Institute, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the E.E. Just Marine Science Program at Bridge Builders Foundation, California State University Monterey Bay/Scripps Institution of Oceanography in partnership with the Monterey Aquarium and Stanford University and the Marine Mammal Care Center and many more.

Through their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, Kamaura and Jasmine Taylor embody the spirit of the black pearl, one of hope and healing. They stand as advocates for change, catalysts for diversity in marine science, and champions for the protection of our planet's most precious ecosystems.

Kamaura Taylor is a passionate and accomplished 16-year-old conservationist who shares her twin sister Jasmine's dedication to marine life and ocean protection. A junior in high school, Kamaura excels academically with a 4.2 GPA and has taken honors marine science classes since the sixth grade at the Marina Del Rey Marine Science Academy's gifted magnet program. Kamaura's journey in marine science began at a young age. Inspired by her love for marine animals, she has participated in numerous programs, including the E.E. Just Marine Program at the USC Wrigley Institute on Catalina Island, where she learned to build ROVs for research, and the Girls in Marine Science conference at the Ocean Institute. Her extensive experience includes the VolunTEEN program at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where she gained hours of community service and developed skills in public speaking and leadership. Additionally, Kamaura has attended the Catalina Sea Camp, a marine science summer camp, where she engaged in hands-on activities such as exploring the island and snorkeling. She has also studied aboard the Enhydra, a marine research vessel, spending a week at sea with renowned marine biologists and oceanographers.

Kamaura's commitment to marine conservation is reflected in her active participation in various volunteer programs. She currently serves as a volunteer at the Marine Mammal Care Center, where she teaches guests about marine life conservation and works as a greeter in the gift store, honing her customer service skills. These experiences have enriched her knowledge and deepened her passion for marine life. Kamaura's aspirations include attending USC to study marine animal husbandry or ocean science, and she is committed to gaining the hands-on experience necessary to achieve her goals. Her dedication to marine conservation, combined with her strong academic background and extensive volunteer experience, makes Kamaura a remarkable and inspiring young conservationist. She resides in Marina Del Rey, CA with her dog Rosey, her parents, four siblings and a host of friends and family.

Jasmine Taylor is a dedicated 16-year-old conservationist with a deep-rooted passion for marine life and ocean protection. She shares this passion with her identical twin sister, Kamaura. Since the age of eight, she has committed herself to being a voice for animals that cannot speak for themselves. Jasmine's journey began with a profound love for marine life, which evolved into a specific interest in marine rescue and rehabilitation after a pivotal kayaking experience where she encountered a seal in distress. Her dedication to marine conservation is evident through her extensive involvement in various programs and internships. Jasmine has volunteered at the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Marine Mammal Care Center, participated in the Girls In Ocean Science conference, and earned a scholarship to attend it. She has also studied aboard the Enhydra, a marine research vessel,  with renowned marine biologists and trained at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, where she learned to build ROVs for research.

A natural-born explorer, Jasmine, along with her Mother and sister, have participated in sea turtle egg hatching with the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, visited indigenous tribes in the islands off the coast of Panama, and swam with dolphins in Hawaii, Mexico and the Bahamas. Her passion is traveling to learn and support animal conservation efforts. Currently a high school junior, Jasmine maintains a 3.8 GPA and is excited about the prospect of college. Prior to that she attended the Marina Del Rey Marine Science Academy's gifted magnet program, where she excelled in honors classes since the sixth grade and maintained an A+ in Marine Science. Jasmine's academic achievements and extracurricular activities highlight her well-rounded abilities, including strong interpersonal skills, time management, and a genuine passion for learning and teaching others about marine and animal protection and conservation. Jasmine resides in Marina Del Rey, CA with her dog Posey, her parents, four siblings and a host of friends and family.