‘Sustainable marine management’ aim for new UN Ambassador
Niru Dorrian reveals how he intends to help reverse ocean health decline by 2030.
“My appointment as a UN Ocean Decade Ambassador presents a unique opportunity to amplify my lifelong dedication to global ocean conservation and sustainable marine management,” opens Niru Dorrian, an experienced marine mammal biologist.
Dorrian views this role as “an honour and a significant responsibility”, driving scientific research, innovation, and policy coherence to safeguard the oceans for future generations. “My vision is closely aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and I am committed to creating a lasting legacy of sustainable marine management and environmental protection.”
As a Fellow and chartered marine scientist through IMarEST, and a chartered scientist through the Science Council, Dorrian's expertise lies in ecological project management, mitigation and monitoring, wildlife surveys, marine mammal health, conservation, and media.
“My long-standing association with IMarEST began in 2008. Since then, I have played a key role in shaping the future of marine science within the Institute. In 2020, I was instrumental in founding the Marine Mammal Special Interest Group (MMSIG) and co-chaired the group, leading numerous outreach and educational initiatives.”
Recently, Dorrian collaborated with IMarEST and the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) to establish a new marine science bursary. He also organised and co-hosted a world-first conference on marine mammal monitoring and mitigation in Edinburgh in September, attracting over 110 delegates from 14 countries. It addressed critical issues related to environmental compliance, consenting, risk assessments, and innovations in monitoring technologies.
Transforming marine life relationships
“To date, my involvement with the UN Ocean Decade has included coordinating the review of white papers for several Decade Challenges and organising Decade-endorsed activities such as training programmes and have recently applied for endorsement of a new bursary. These later initiatives are designed to improve career accessibility within marine mammal consulting, particularly for graduates and early-career professionals,” explains Dorrian.
As Ambassador, Dorrian says that he is determined to engage IMarEST's international membership and the wider marine community in embracing this global initiative: “Working closely with the IMarEST Executive and members, I will seek to align the Institute's activities with the priorities of the Ocean Decade, utilising my extensive experience as a marine mammal biologist, offshore ecologist, and environmental management to lead this global effort.”
The UN Ocean Decade has made remarkable progress, with critical events and initiatives driving the global mission to enhance ocean health and sustainability. The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona was a highlight of the year, producing the ‘Barcelona Statement’, setting forth strategic priorities for the next phase of the Decade.
“These include scaling up climate resilience, enhancing and accelerating investment in ocean science, and combating marine pollution,” Dorrian explains.
Another significant development is the release of the Vision 2030 White Papers, each focusing on a specific Ocean Decade Challenge. “These papers, developed by 20 co-chairs and over 150 experts, represent a year-long effort to assess global needs, identify critical datasets, and address knowledge gaps,” says Dorrian. “IMarEST participated in the review process, directly influencing revisions to these critical documents. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of diverse, stakeholder-driven input in shaping the future of ocean science.
“Looking ahead, the Ocean Decade will continue expanding its collaborative efforts across various sectors. Its long-term aim is to scale up research, develop practical solutions, and ensure that ocean science is accessible to all.
“By pursuing these objectives, the Decade aspires to fundamentally transform how humanity interacts with the ocean, ultimately reversing the decline in ocean health by 2030.”
Discover more about IMarEST’s Marine Mammal Special Interest Group.
Image: new UN Ocean Decade Ambassador, Niru Dorrian; credit: Niru Dorrian.
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