By Arshad Rawat, Mauritius
My journey in oceanography began in 2006 after completing my engineering degree from Bordeaux University. I became interested in the applications of mathematical modelling to geofluids which instilled my interest in oceanography. This started my journey to where I am today, as it influenced my decision to undertake an internship in Physical Oceanography in La Rochelle, and later my role as a research scientist at the Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI). Even though other paths showed better future career perspectives, for some reason I got more attracted to the oceanography sector where I was easily hired due to my previous internship. This was my first real job, but I ended up serving there for almost ten years!
During my journey my interest in oceanography grew, and after much support from my employer and family, I decided to pursue a PhD. During my doctoral research I delved further into the intricate world of ocean modelling, undertaking measurement campaigns and collaborating with international teams. This led me to pursue a role as director of a newly created unit overseeing oceanography and marine geosciences, which in turn paved my way into the realm of Marine Spatial Planning, a crucial tool for a nation surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean.
One of my most memorable experiences happened in 2018, a year after starting this new position. While working on an assessment of potential sites for aquaculture in Mauritius, we were invited to dive on the north-west coast of the Island. It was a nice boat trip to the site, but the guides did warn us it was a deep site. I jumped into the water and started my descent. Gradually things started to get darker and darker, and all of a sudden, I found myself located in what I can only describe as a forest in the middle of the sea! The landscape, or rather seascape, was so impressive: an endless expanse of foliose corals. They covered the whole ocean floor, and the sandy seabed was barely visible at all which made the environment appear dark. That was also probably because of the forty metres depth, with less sunlight and therefore a bluer appearance of our surroundings. Strangely the place appeared quite desolate and deserted. But that was only an initial impression, as I then realised there were many fishes beneath the ’leaves’ of the corals. This is just another reminder that symbiosis is omnipresent in nature.
I then learned that the site was called ‘Rose Garden’, and it perfectly reflects what we saw. We were not planning any aquaculture at that particular location, and I realised the divers wanted to show us the beauty that might unsuspectingly exist in that region. It would of course never ever come to our mind to recommend any development over such a beautiful location.
We continued our trip with a dive at another location, with much less biomass and less sensitivity to potential fish farming. The dive monitors and guides were not hostile to aquaculture development. Even though diving and tourism is their breadwinner, I found them surprisingly understanding with respect to other uses of the sea. Many years later and after much consultation, it was finally agreed by consensus that aquaculture would not be recommended in this region of the island. Overall, this has been a reminder that everything and everyone’s opinion matters and with a minimum of flexibility it’s not very difficult to reach consensus. For me this is something constantly relevant in my day-to-day work, especially on MSP.
“Journeys to the Sea” is a new series of inspiring stories that highlight the personal connections of marine professionals with the ocean. As a follow up to World Oceans Day on June 8th, WIOMSA is excited to launch a three-month-long celebration dedicated to the ocean. The series will feature 34 unique stories from across the Western Indian Ocean region. These stories will share firsthand accounts of ocean-related experiences, reflections, and narratives from participants who have been part of the Sida-funded International Training Programme on marine spatial planning, “Planning for a Sustainable Blue Future in the Western Indian Ocean”. The stories have been part of the Ocean Storytelling component of the workshop, led by Dr Mia Strand, Nelson Mandela University.
Feature photograph: The Rose Garden, Foliose Coral. © Arshad Rawat
