THEY make it their business to understand and help preserve the coastal environment, in part to help safeguard long-term socio-economic development.

These professionals are called coastal ecologists.

For a better understanding of their work and what it takes to become a practitioner in the field, Career & Education talks to Ainsley Henry, acting director of the applications management division of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and a man who has served the profession for more than 14 years.

As head of the applications management division, the St Jago High School past student and holder of a first degree in botany and zoology from the University of the West Indies (UWI) has responsibility for the branches of the agency, which administers the development review process and makes recommendations to the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and the Town and Country Planning Authority boards.

In addition, Henry, who is currently pursuing a master of philosophy in environmental biology at UWI, has direct and collective responsibility for some of the administrative, management and policy directions of NEPA.

Who is a coastal ecologist?

A coastal ecologist is a scientist who specialises in coastal ecosystems. It (the field) is in essence biology, with some geology, some chemistry and oceanography all tied together to try to have an understanding of the processes that facilitate and support life.

What is the value of the work that you do?

We are trained to look holistically at things. So we don’t simply look at the animal, but (also at) its interaction with its environment — living and non-living. The value of coastal ecology in Jamaica is that most of Jamaica is coastal and it is essential that we have an understanding of the interactions in this area as it helps to determine things like carrying capacity and sustainable use. Sustainable development is, therefore, possible through a proper understanding of the environment in which we work.

What prompted your entry into the field?

I love nature and it is so intrinsic that I wanted to understand it. As my understanding grew, so did my love so I wanted to spend my life helping us to get to the point where we learn to live in harmony with nature through sustainable development.

What are the academic requirements for getting into the field?

From high school, any science subjects — including a living science (such as biology). At university, a combination of botany and zoology, especially the ecological portions of those subjects. I believe it is best to also have an appreciation for geology/geography. In the context of working towards sustainable development, a grasp of social sciences/economics would also be useful.

What other skills and/or competencies are required for entry into the field?

IT skills as there are many technological applications that are needed (as well as) driving. Boating is useful and scuba diving is an asset.

What do you most enjoy about the work that you do?

These days, it is getting a developer to do the right thing for the environment despite his initial unwillingness.

What are the challenges you face on the job?

I work for the Government and so there will always be a challenge of resources. We are also constrained by the apathy of the people — as in the public — on some issues and hence the lack of will by our leaders. There is also the challenge of motivating and extracting from people who are disgruntled due to their remuneration, high-quality work, especially when they are consistently asked to do more with less.

How much can one earn as a coastal ecologist on an annual basis?

It varies significantly. My search online revealed this: ‘A biologist who works as a scientist makes very little to start out — about US$25,000 to US$30,000 per year — but makes more as they advance in their career, maybe US$40,000 or US$50,000. There is no set standard, but most scientists do not make a lot of money. Marine biologists who work as teachers, at aquariums or in industry could make more to start out, and eventually make as much as US$75,000 per year. The average scientist starting out after their PhD makes about US$35,000 per year’. The starting salary for a technical officer at NEPA would be at a level six, which is approximately $1.7 million upwards.

Trained as a coastal ecologist, what are the employment options open to an individual?

The are several options open — NEPA, teaching, working at the universities, private consultancies, in the fisheries division, with maritime organisations, the Institute of Jamaica, the Planing Institute of Jamaica (as well as with) international non-governmental organisations, (such as) The Nature Conservancy, etc.

Why would you advise anyone to get into this line of work?

If you have a love for nature and a desire to make a change, you need to learn how it is possible and then apply that knowledge to the challenges we face. We are an island state and it is imperative that our people understand the processes that are vital to maintaining the values and functions that nature provides.

— Petre Williams-Raynor