“It’s a common misconception as people only usually see them in Hollywood movies,” says MareCet co-founder Louisa Ponnampalam. “The level of awareness is still very low, which is why we do what we do.”
The non-profit is the first and only NGO in Malaysia dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals.
As a young girl, Louisa developed an obsession with dolphins, which led others to call her the “dolphin girl”.
“I knew then that I wanted to be a dolphin researcher. I wanted to go abroad, get trained, and come back and set up a research institute,” says the 39-year-old cetacean ecologist.
After obtaining a degree in marine science and studying dolphins as part of her PhD, she worked at Universiti Malaya for eight years before establishing MareCet in 2012.
“We wanted to build a knowledge base, groom the next generation of researchers, as well as push the conservation agenda,” she tells FMT.
Despite various challenges, MareCet is now recognised locally and globally as one of the leading organisations for marine biodiversity conservation in the region.
In 2019, three of its field sites were recognised as Important Marine Mammal Areas by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, based on MareCet’s research findings.
It currently has four research projects across peninsular Malaysia, and has also engaged more than 4,000 students via various outreach and education programmes.
“We collect, analyse and transform data into infographics and layman’s terms to be used in our outreach programmes, as well as in discussions with policymakers to ensure marine mammals are not overlooked in their plans.”
‘Huge disconnect’
Louisa admits it continues to be a challenge getting people to care about marine mammals, especially when the majority of Malaysians spend most of their time in concrete buildings.
“Despite being a maritime nation, there is a huge disconnect between people and the ocean. Besides being a source of income, to most people, the beach is where you go for a swim, picnic, or to get a tan,” she says.
“We want people to be more in tune with the ocean, because the state of it affects us all in one way or another.”
According to Louisa, it is difficult to obtain funding for conservation efforts, and conservationists are largely underpaid.
“They are rarely given the appreciation and recognition they deserve despite the tireless work they do. In actuality, conservationists are essential workers.”
On the bright side, Louisa says the level of awareness concerning marine mammals is slowly increasing. “People who volunteer with us go on to spread the word to their family and friends.
“Equally important is that it inspires them to do their part for nature in terms of reducing consumption, especially single-use plastics,” she says, adding that she has seen dolphins swimming through a 1km radius of trash.
MareCet accepts volunteers with skills including, but not limited to, graphic design, marketing, IT, communications, photography, and psychology.
“Conservation needs everyone; we want to be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible with what we do.”
‘Nature looks after us’
Over the years, Louisa has ventured to parts of the country only few have seen. “It pains me that we’re not looking after what we have. We take it for granted and destroy a lot of natural habitats.
“Some people say Malaysia doesn’t have much to offer, but you’d be surprised once you step away from common tourist sites.”
She points out, for instance, that some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets can be seen from the west coast of peninsular Malaysia.
Louisa further reveals that her work has allowed her to see Malaysians in a different light.
“Racial issues are often politicised, but if you go into the kampungs, by and large, people are warm and welcoming. They give you food, and it doesn’t matter that you’re different from them.”
At the end of the day, a deep passion and love for the sea keeps her going.
“I’ve seen dolphins who, despite having suffered traumatic injuries, survive to reproduce. It’s amazing how resilient they are, having to dodge all sorts of threats, from nets and pollution to lack of food.
“If they can survive all that, then I feel we need to do more to protect and safeguard their future by keeping their habitats safe and clean.”
While it is difficult to effect change, Louisa believes each person can start with themselves.
It’s about “feeling that as a human being, I’m occupying too much space on this very stressed planet; I’m using too many resources and I’ve contributed so much to our landfills”, she says.
“Ultimately, if we look after nature, nature looks after us.”
Click here for more information on MareCet, or check out its Facebook and Instagram profiles. You can also support its efforts by purchasing exclusive merchandise.