We have explored only five per cent of our planet’s oceans! Sanctuary spoke to young divers and marine conservationists about the art of diving, their tryst with corals, and the passion that drives action.
“Why is it that scuba divers and surfers are some of the strongest advocates of ocean conservation? Because they’ve spent time in and around the ocean, and they’ve personally seen the beauty, the fragility, and even the degradation of our planet’s blue heart.”
– Sylvia Earle, marine biologist and oceanographer
The first time I went diving was in Chidiyatapu, South Andaman Island. Breathing through my mouth under several metres of water was uncomfortable at first, but as soon as I saw schools of darting fusiliers, my nerves vanished. I fell in love. The experience ignited in me an uncontrollable need to protect these magnificent creatures. The deep, slow breathing amidst the chatter of reef fish is like meditation. I realise we’re a tiny part of something unimaginably vast. Yet, we cause immense damage to it.
Navya Mittal during a scuba dive. Photo: Navya Mittal.
I volunteered in Indonesia for coral reef restoration. Diving twice a day, I learned how to garden coral reefs by scrubbing off nutrient-indicator algae and encrusting sponges from hard coral and plucking out coral-eating drupella snails from the branching acropora. After seeing companies in Indonesia drilling corals for development, I realised the battle between nature protectors and exploiters is a challenge.
Navya Mittal is a Biology and Environmental Science student at Wesleyan University.
Coral reefs exude an allure similar to the Mumbai city I grew up in. Varying colours, like transitioning through different localities; travelling shoals of multi-coloured fish, like a local train at rush-hour; and every corner an animated interaction featuring reef-critters, like hawkers in a crowded bazaar. Law and order on the reef are maintained when higher trophic species are at chase. But when predators are away, there is chaos underway.
Parrot fish in a garden of Acropora corals. Photo: Karan Deshpande.
I took my first dive in 2018, and six years on, I still struggle to fathom how life underwater can mirror that above. Coral reefs are as fragile as ceramic, yet as resilient as steel. I explore the corals that outline the reef, and attempt to understand fish and invertebrates that shape its architecture. My fascination with this ecosystem continues to fuel my efforts at conserving its future – in the hope that much like my city, coral reefs too remain the same.
Karan Deshpande is a biologist who undertakes coral reef and area-based management projects within the Marine Programme of WCS-India.
My love for the deep blue began on Goa’s sandy shores, where as a child, I was fascinated by the intertidal pool walk finds – marine creatures, seeds and driftwood from different countries, alien-looking dead fish, and the occasional bottle with a treasure map! By 2012, I completed my SSI Junior Open Water Diver with Barracuda Diving in Goa, where my legendary Scuba Instructor and Ocean Ambassador Venkatesh Charloo sparked my passion for diving and marine conservation. Ten years later, I found myself at Scubalov in the Andamans, where I got my PADI Divemaster Certification and started my professional journey as a scuba diver, and I also worked with Divers of Vingoria.
Coral reef snake. Photo: Zal Madon.
Diving is magical, where one ventures to the depths within and without! By embracing our inner warrior spirit, diving offers a spiritual connection to nature, urging us to give back to the ocean, with a goal to respect, protect and educate. I love my diving homies, I am privileged to be a part of this community. Let’s keep contributing to a healthy and sustainable future.
Zal Madon is a divemaster, talented wildlife photographer and calisthenics trainer.
My first profound encounter with the ocean was during a snorkeling session right before starting my open water diving course. I was in awe of the fish and their subtle ecosystem. Becoming a dive master was a natural progression for me. I have encountered countless marine species and gained a deep appreciation for the delicate balance and complexity of these ecosystems.
I have witnessed increasing coral bleaching owing to rising temperatures. My heart breaks to know how long it takes for a reef system to come to life, only to see how quickly it can die in a single year. However, there is still hope – corals can recover if we collectively make the necessary changes! We must respect the limited resources our planet has graciously provided.
Mallika Joshi is an expert divemaster and Art Director with over seven years of diving experience and a commitment to marine conservation.
I was first drawn to marine creatures, especially corals, because they’re so cool and alien. Every species is like a pokemon, or something out of a sci-fi series. But soon you learn how each one’s strange powers allow it to play a unique role in an ecosystem that even we humans on land depend on for survival. Diving is awesome because every time you see something new underwater, it’s like finding another piece of the puzzle. You never know what the ocean will show you next. Everything has a rhythm, and that inspired me to start rapping about it. I could never just talk fast enough to cover all their coolness and complexity!
Sahir Doshi explores Mumbai’s coastal biodiversity. Photo: Sarang Naik/Sanctuary Photolibrary.
Sahir Doshi is a rapper, wildlife educator, and a past Kids for Tigers ambassador who is making a difference.
