Journeys to the Sea: Feelings of freedom

Niroshini Leelodharry, Mauritius

My first memory of the ocean is associated with the popular TV serial ‘Les Dents de La Mer’, which used to be broadcasted on the local TV channels in Mauritius. The serial was about people getting killed by sharks whilst enjoying the beach during holidays. I can still remember the opening music which evoked feelings of suspense and tension as the serial started. As a kid, watching the sharks killing innocent humans made me feel scared of the ocean.

Now, when I think of the ocean, it brings up feelings of freedom in me. The endless expanse of the ocean completely wipes off all tension accumulated during the day. One of my favourite activities is sitting on the beach, watching the blue colour of the ocean and listening to the sound of the waves. The ocean is no doubt a means to feel relaxed and at peace.

My fondest memory related to the ocean dates back to 2007. I had recently completed my first year of my undergraduate degree and I travelled to Rodrigues Island onboard the Mauritius Pride together with my university friends. It was the first time that I ever left my homeland to go to another place and that too without my family. Little did I know that travelling on economy class meant travelling while being seated, together with other economy class passengers, for about 2 whole days. We spent most of our days and nights on the deck of the vessel, watching the ocean. The combined feeling of the sea breeze and the gentle rocking of the waves evoked a feeling of calmness and happiness. Although the conditions of travel were not perfect, the company of my friends made the journey a memorable one. Even today, I enjoy so much being on boats.

I started studying the ocean during my bachelor’s degree. In 2006, issues with decreasing fish stocks and alternatives for meeting global fish demand were being discussed worldwide. The University of Mauritius advertised an undergraduate course in Aquaculture for the first time and I chose to pursue my degree in that field thinking that there would be more career prospects as it was a new field in Mauritius. During the course of my study, I did a few modules on the ocean and the more I learnt about the ocean, the more I felt grateful for whatever it offered to human beings: from feeding us, regulating our climate, providing oxygen to us and so on. Although my choice of career was more strategic rather than being one out of passion, I really started enjoying studying about the ocean. I pursued my Masters in Coastal and Ocean Management and I hope that through my job, I may at least contribute to assisting in the management and protection of the ocean for all that it provides for us.

Even though the challenges facing our oceans are significant, I choose to believe that through collective action and commitment from the different regions of the world, we can protect and restore ocean health through simple acts such as beach cleanups. It is our responsibility to ensure that the ocean remains healthy for all that it offers us; overall, a sanctuary allowing people to escape from the daily routine and connect to the world in the most profound way.

“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.  Read the collection of stories here

Feature photo: © Niroshini Leelodharry

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