Saratha Naiken

  • sarathanaiken@gmail.com
  • Seychelles Islands, Seychelles
  • 24/07/2024
Office work Blue economy Fisheries and aquaculture Marine policy Marine research Oceanography

Personal Summary

An early career researcher, with a keen interested in sustainable marine resource management and fisheries, with a focus on applying blue economy principles for balanced economic growth while protecting ocean ecosystems. Brings expertise in research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to enhance fisheries sustainability and promote a resilient blue economy. Committed to bridging the gap between science and policy to enable informed decision-making and fostering collaborative partnerships for ocean stewardship.

Work Experience

Student Researcher
Mar 2024 - Aug 2024 Seychelles Fishing Authority

- Conducted data collection and analysis on various fisheries science projects aimed at assessing fish stock health and sustainability.

- Collaborated with senior scientists to design and implement research methodologies for monitoring fish populations, including Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) and other key species.

- Used advanced statistical tools and software (R Studio) to analyse fisheries data, identify trends, and assess the impact of fishing practices on marine ecosystems.

- Gained hands-on experience working on European fishing vessels (Spanish and French), collecting data for research studies directly on the vessels.

- Contributed to the development of fisheries management plans, including recommendations for sustainable fishing practices, bycatch reduction, and habitat protection.

- Assisted in the preparation of technical reports and scientific publications to communicate research findings to stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and international organisations.

Project leader
Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 Save Our Seas Foundation

- Led an independent research project focused on juvenile reef sharks at St. Joseph Atoll, overseeing all aspects of data collection, analysis, and reporting using R Studio.

- Managed logistics and technical preparation for diverse marine conservation activities, including gear preparation for various monitoring programs (manta rays, sharks, turtles, tortoises).

- Spearheaded daily and weekly monitoring tasks, which included beach patrols for turtle track monitoring and thrice-weekly dives for manta ray identification and data receiver exchanges.

Student researcher
Oct 2022 - Dec 2022 Monaco Explorations- Scientific expedition

- Engaged in hydrological, biogeochemical, biological, and ecological studies during oceanographic excursions.

- Operated multi-parameter CTD Rosette for biogeochemical sampling and data collection.

- Analysed marine biodiversity using statistical software in R Studio and contributed to genomic sampling and eDNA studies.

- Assisted in the deployment and data analysis of BGC-Argo floats.

- Gained hands-on experience in deploying and operating a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) in deep-water environments, reaching depths of up to 700 meters in the waters around Aldabra.

Committee member
Jul 2021 - Aug 2023 Global Shapers Victoria Hub

-Pioneered the ‘Environmental Youth Leadership Program’ (EYLP), a six-week initiative designed to empower youth with skills, knowledge, and networks to address local climate action-related issues.

-Developed and managed weekly digital content for social media platforms, enhancing public engagement and promoting environmental awareness.

-Successfully secured funding through government bids to expand and enhance the organisation's services.

Head Intern
Apr 2019 - May 2019 Seychelles Conservation & Climate Adaptation Trust

- Evaluated existing conservation projects and analysed budgets to support marine and coastal protected areas.

- Collaborated with the fisheries sector to enhance governance, sustainability, and market options for marine resources.

- Received training in grant writing to secure funding for conservation projects and initiatives.

Education

Bachelor of Science (Hons): Environmental Science
Sep 2019 - Dec 2022 University of Seychelles
Master of Science: Marine Science and Climate Change
Sep 2023 - Present University of Gibraltar

Name and surname

Saratha Naiken

Nationality

Seychellois

Years of experience

1-3 years

Are you looking for a job in:

I am willing to move abroad

Additional training

-Successfully completed GERME training in the Blue Economy in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

-Designated representative for the Seychelles delegation to present scientific research at the International

Marine Conservation Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, 2024.

Language (indicate level)

-English (Fluent)

-French (Basic)

-Creole (Fluent)

Digital competences (indicate level)

Proficient in utilising R Studio for statistical analysis, EcoTaxa for plankton imaging, and processing CTD data.

Personal website / LinkedIN

www.linkedin.com/in/saratha-naiken-3a0a48172