Dr. Amanda Vincent: A Leader in Marine Conservation

Dr. Amanda Vincent is a professor at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries at The University of British Columbia and the director and co-founder of Project Seahorse – an international organization committed to the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s coastal marine ecosystems. She is the 2020 winner of the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading award for animal conservation. This biennial prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of animal species and includes a $250,000 award.

Early Memories of the Ocean

I’ve always felt this visceral pull to the ocean. There’s something about its vastness and power that speaks to my soul. I learned to dive more or less by accident. Years later, my interest in male pregnancy lured me underwater to observe seahorses, where I fell entirely in love with the marine world.

An Average Day in Conservation

I’m a single parent with a 10-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, so life is full and very wonderful. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we were constantly active. I usually start work at 5 am to make international calls before the kids wake. Once they’re off to school, I head to the university for teaching and teamwork. I tackle emails when my kids are back in bed. Fieldwork is rare these days but crucial for understanding marine ecosystems.

Best Places to See Wild Seahorses

I’m torn between sharing the magic of wild seahorses and wanting to protect remaining populations. Larger numbers of seahorses are often found in seagrasses and soft-bottom habitats than in coral reefs. A great spot is the Ria Formosa estuary in Portugal, where Project Seahorse has worked with the University of the Algarve on management and conservation. Those populations face threats from illegal fishing, so increasing tourism could help protect seahorses in the wild and build political will for conservation efforts.

Favorite Dive Locations

Most of my diving has occurred in damaged habitats, where I sought solutions for struggling species. My greatest affinity lies with two small patches of seagrass in the shallow waters of Sydney Harbor (Port Jackson) in Australia. It was there that I immersed myself in the daily lives of individual seahorses, knowing each animal’s social interactions intimately.

Other Fascinating Marine Species

Pipefish are among my favorite because they are the closest relatives to seahorses and have interesting forms of male parental care and social behavior. Likewise, observing sea snakes is fascinating; watching them fish is marvelous, although their venomous nature adds an element of caution.

Memorable Destinations

Recently, my children and I spent a sabbatical year traveling twice around the world for my marine conservation work. We spent weeks in India, Patagonia, China, and South Africa, culminating in five months in France. Along the way, we visited Easter Island, the Philippines, and Iceland, immersing ourselves in coastal communities and conservation efforts. Closer to home, we cherish our excursions to the west coast of Vancouver Island, particularly off the wild ocean in Tofino.

Future Travel Aspirations

As my daughter wisely states, “we will go anywhere that has a story to tell.” We dream of kayaking in Haida Gwaii, an archipelago rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. I also hope to discover a polar pipefish, justifying a trip to Antarctica or Canada’s far North, or perhaps I should seek it out myself.

Response to Winning the Indianapolis Prize

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to draw attention to the ocean and marine life. The ocean represents 99 percent of the living space on Earth; yet it often feels distant to most people. I am determined that our work on the unique seahorses should highlight the pressing need to end bottom trawling, stop illegal fishing, protect habitats, and combat climate change.

Plans for the $250,000 Prize

I plan to contribute to the fishing village in the central Philippines where our seahorse conservation work began and expres my gratitude to the Project Seahorse team. Additionally, I would like to treat myself to an electric bicycle, while most of the rest will fund specialized schooling for my young son.

Hope for the Future of Animal Conservation

Every person I’ve ever met has been intrigued by seahorses. Curiosity is our starting point and can lead to commitment. Our greatest hope lies in connecting with people’s hearts and minds through stories about animals, showcasing their significance, and emphasizing what they require from us. Each narrative needs to conclude with encouraging actions that everyone can take.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Sponsored by Indianapolis Prize

As a travel entertainment and inspirational media outlet, we sometimes incorporate brand sponsors into our efforts. This activity is clearly labeled across our platforms.

This story was crafted collaboratively between Indianapolis Prize and iBestTravel. Both parties provided research and curated content to produce this story. We disclose when information isn’t ours.

With sponsored content, both iBestTravel and our brand partners maintain specific responsibilities:

• Brand partner

  Determines the concept, provides briefing, research materials, and may provide feedback.

• iBestTravel

  We provide expertise, firsthand insights, and verify with third-party sources when needed.