Marine Conservation Experts

Also termed as 'marine resource conservation', this field of work is associated with protection and preservation of eco-systems in our seas and oceans. Conservationists work to limit damage to marine ecosystem caused by humans and preserve vulnerable marine species by having a well-rounded knowledge of marine policies and laws, and economics.

Marine conservation, a rather new discipline deals with conserving biological and physical marine resources and ecosystem functions. Experts use a sound combination of scientific principles which are derived from fields like ocean engineering, marine biology or fisheries. They also cater for human factors like marine laws and demand for marine resources apart from economics and policies to judge how best to protect these resources, ecosystem and marine species.

Deepak Apte, Assistant Director at Bombay Natural History Society-BNHS and renowned taxonomist in mollusca said that wildlife conservation means 'filed study'. One can become a renowned academician by going to the field and understanding dynamics of nature from its grassroots.

Apte used his aimless-phase after Class 12 to cycle approximately 2,000 miles on his bi-cycle collecting information on shells which he published later in life. This motivated him to get closer to nature. He graduated in zoology and pursued post-graduation in marine biology following which he joined BNHS, which was then the oldest and largest NGO in India.

At BNHS, he was fired up to do something about threats to our environment. He developed the art of advocacy to convince people and garnered as much knowledge about marine life and their endangerment. His initial years were well spent as an education-officer in which capacity he taught children and counseled them on handling failures. He honed his communication skills which he used later in getting across to students, media and corporate. On being promoted to conservation officer, he was entrusted with the responsibility of networking with NGOs and other people concerned with conservation apart from conducting assessments on environmental impact.

On promotion to Assistant Director, he became principal investigator of five major projects of BNHS including conservation of giant clams in Lakshadweep. It was his strong recommendation which instigated Ministry of Environment and Forest to include all species of giant clam under Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Apte felt saddened that many fragile and beautiful marine species are extinct or on the verge of disappearance since we are unaware of the threats caused by humans to their lives through pollution and global warming.

He strongly supported efforts put by the NGO, ReefWatch Marine Conservation which is targeting schools following IB curriculum for spreading awareness for conservation of marine lives and ecosystem. The ECO Search programme allows school children to participate in snorkeling in coral reefs and mangroves; diving, camping in tropical rain-forests, and interacting with marine biologists to fruitfully blend adventure, fun and a rich field learning experience.

While 'passion' is the key to successes as a marine conservationist, the remunerations vary depending on the organization one is associated with. Working in an NGO can earn an entrant Rs. 10,000 per month. Experience and the organization one is working for can fetch a salary of Rs.1 Lakh per month.

Studying botany, chemistry or zoology in school followed by graduate and post-graduate studies in marine ecology or marine biology mark the first steps to start a career in this filed. Good academic skills should be accompanied by ability to analyze data, diving skills to observe marine life and most importantly zest to work relentlessly for protection of endangered and vulnerable species.