Asha De Vos

Asha de Vos, Executive Director of Oceanswell in Sri Lanka, is a pioneering researcher studying blue whales in tropical oceans. She was one of the first researchers to recognize the importance of tropical marine ecosystems in the basic biology of the largest organisms of our planet.

De Vos’ research contributions have been novel, focused on the unique blue whale population in Sri Lanka. Her thorough description of their non-migratory nature, preference for tropical waters, and the feeding and diving behaviors of these “pygmy” blue whales was new, to scientists and managers in Sri Lanka and to the vast majority of Sri Lankans who did not realize there were whales in their waters. She also brought her insights on the unusual behaviors of this blue whale population to global marine mammal scientists. Going beyond the science, she explored the potential for risks to this unique population, including ship strikes, as well as possibilities for building out more sustainable tourism. Her fundamental discoveries have major implications to the global conservation of blue whales.

De Vos is a leader in pioneering marine conservation in Sri Lanka, melding basic field biology with conservation and policy implementation. She is also a strong advocate for promoting diversity in the sciences and in training resident biologists to achieve better representation of local expertise in the developing world. She integrates fundamental science, conservation and social justice as powerful tools in the battle to sustain the diversity of marine life globally.

For more information, visit oceanswell.org/who-we-are.