Guardians of the Depths: Azade Simavi on Marine Biology and Ocean Conservation
Dive into the world of marine biology with Azade Simavi, a dedicated scientist whose love for the ocean has shaped her career. Discover how her lifelong passion for the sea has led her to unravel the mysteries beneath the waves and contribute to the vital field of marine conservation.
While humanity has made remarkable strides in understanding the cosmos, exploring other planets, stars, and the vast expanse of the galaxy, the mysteries that lie beneath the waves of our own planet remain largely uncharted. Marine biology, the study of life in the oceans, is a field that demands our attention now more than ever. Covering over 70% of Earth's surface, our oceans are under constant threat from pollution, overfishing, and climate change, underscoring the critical importance of marine science in preserving our planet's health and balance.
Enter Azade Simavi, a marine biologist whose life is deeply intertwined with the ocean's allure. Born in Istanbul and raised with the Mediterranean Sea as her backyard, Azade's childhood summers spent by the sea sowed the seeds of a lasting bond with the marine world. This connection, cultivated over years of close interaction with the ocean's wonders, has shaped her career and lifestyle as a researcher and advocate for sustainable fishing practices.
Azade's journey reflects a profound commitment to understanding and protecting the marine environment. Through her work, she aims to shed light on the complexities of oceanic ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation efforts. As we delve deeper into the blue, let us join Azade in exploring the captivating mysteries of marine biology and the vital role it plays in sustaining our planet.
Where did you study? How did you decide to choose this profession?
From kindergarten to high school, I have attended the Lycée Français Pierre Loti d’Istanbul. Then I studied Earth, Sky and Ocean Science at the Université de la Méditerranée in Marseille. For my master’s degree, I studied stream ecosystems at the Université du Québec in Montréal and then continued my studies in northern Canada. However, in the end I have realised that I can no longer be away from the Mediterranean and returned to Turkey.
2. Where do you live at the moment?
I live in Bodrum, Muğla, Turkey.
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3. Which sea creatures/mammals do you study?
My interests are predatory fish and sustainable fishing. Usually we work with big fishes. Predatory fishes stabilise prey populations, so the extinction of them can affect the entire ecosystem. Among these fishes are cynarite, leer, tuna, bluefish etc.
4. What is a typical day like for you?
I can say that every day is different. The weather conditions or seasons affect our work a lot.
I usually work on projects at a certain part of the day and then go fishing. Nowadays, the squid population has increased. I go fishing to catch squids, clean it and put it in the freezer for winter. Of course, I also have to take care of my garden every day. Catching, growing and cooking my own food; sustainably fills a great deal of my life.
5. What is your favourite sea creature and why?
The ones I can fish and eat! Jokes aside, I love spending time with octopuses when I dive. Or I find bluefin tuna very fascinating. Their speed, migration, body structures.
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6. Which sea creature is the smartest?
It is a controversial question. Usually dolphin, orca, and octopus are at the top of the list.
7. Have you ever worked with a killer whale or shark? If yes, how does it feel, were you scared?
I had the chance to do shark diving with biologists on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
Because the Mediterranean is rather shy, I have only come across sharks there once or twice, even though they were far away. I know I should not be scared by them because my interest is the sea. Usually they are very shy animals and very afraid of us humans. I wish I could encounter more of these fascinating animals every time I swim.
8. Do you not feel an emotional connection to the creatures you are working on or studying?
This is a question I often come across. Because I have been fishing my own fish for years. I also love to dive and take out my own sea urchin or oyster and eat it. I often get asked questions about how you can fish and kill when you need to protect the environment. The purpose of world protection is to keep the system in balance. This is done with the knowledge of which species can be hunted and under what conditions and how to provide the necessary environment for its survival. My job is to protect and maintain the marine ecosystem. If we do not tire our seas excessively, it is an endless resource.
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9. Are sea creatures in the Mediterranean endangered? Why is that? And most importantly, what can people do to help?
Sea creatures in the Mediterranean are under great threat. The biggest reasons are excessive and uncontrolled hunting, sea pollution, uncontrolled construction and the proliferation of invasive species that come to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. Our seas are getting warmer every day and their ecosystem is changing because of all these threats. Otherwise, the Mediterranean will lose its identity very soon. People can do many things to help: support marine conservation organizations, ask where the seafood they buy comes from and make more sustainable choices (support small-scale fishing), use environmentally friendly products, and most importantly, spread this information around them.
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10. How is your working order? How often do you work with animals? How often are you in the laboratory?
The working order differs a lot from project to project. In some studies, however, laboratory or field studies are more dominant. But I can say that a large part is spent with bureaucracy.
11. What are some important things one should know before becoming a marine biologist? What advice would you give someone to choose this career field?
When it comes to marine biology, the first thing that comes to mind is working with dolphins and whales. However, it is a science with a very wide field of study and it covers 70% of our world. Chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics… It is an endless field of study that includes all sciences. It covers a wide spectrum from the pharmaceutical industry to the energy field. Unfortunately, the importance of seas in our lives is still unknown today. We have space technology, but we still don’t know what’s going on under the sea, which shows how broad and open to research the subject is. That is why I think this profession does not get the necessary attention. I hope it changes soon.
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12. What do you enjoy the most about your job?
As with any profession, there are challenges. But usually I am almost always happy while doing my job. We can say it is a part of my life, not work. That is why I enjoy every moment of it. Without nature, people cannot live. Anyway, my main purpose in choosing this profession and lifestyle is to support the protection of the living spaces of all living things around me.
