Oceanswell
Sri Lankan non-governmental organisation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Oceanswell is Sri Lanka's first marine conservation and research education organisation[1] and was founded by marine biologist Asha de Vos.[2]
| Formation | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Asha de Vos |
| Type | Non-governmental Organization |
| Purpose | Marine Conservation |
| Location | |
| Methods | Research, Awareness, Citizen science, Education, Youth engagement |
| Fields | Marine biology |
| Award | Goodwill Champion 2020 - World Economic Forum in Davos |
| Website | oceanswell.org |
Projects
The Blue Whale Project
Oceanswell is known for the Blue Whale Project[3] which is the first long-term study on blue whales in the Northern Indian Ocean.[4] The project focuses on the conservation of blue whales[5] from threats such as ship strikes.[6][7] De Vos founded the Blue Whale Project[8] which is the flagship project of Oceanswell.[9][10]
Conservation research
Research includes the COVID-19 and Fisheries Project,[11] natural variability of Mount Lavinia Beach,[12] effectiveness of shark fishing bans[13] and advocacy research against beach nourishments conducted without Environmental Impact Assessments.[14] Recent publications advocate against 'parachute science' which is practice of Western scientists collecting data in developing countries and leaving without training in the region.[15][16]
Education and outreach
Oceanswell conducts educational sessions for school children, skill building courses, marine conservation field courses, monthly gatherings for individuals of different fields to discuss marine conservation issues,[17] rscues stranded marine animals[18] and conducts awareness on species.[19][20][21]
Awards
Honoured as a Goodwill Champion at the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos.[22]