The course of Asha de Vos’ career changed dramatically when she witnessed whales pooping near her home island of Sri Lanka in 2003. The red hue of the whale waste indicated that the blue whales in Sri Lanka did not migrate between feeding and breeding areas, unlike what was commonly believed. Intrigued by this discovery, de Vos spent years documenting how the blue whales near Sri Lanka differed from those elsewhere in the world, ultimately discovering that they are the only nonmigratory blue whales in the world.
This unique population of blue whales around Sri Lanka was recognized by the International Whaling Commission as a distinct subspecies and named Balaenoptera musculus indica. The distinction is crucial for conservation management as localized populations like the one in Sri Lanka are at higher risk of being wiped out in the face of environmental or human threats. De Vos is now one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned scientists, known for nurturing the country’s marine biology scene and advocating for greater diversity among researchers in ocean conservation.
De Vos was driven by a desire to make a change and challenge the negative narrative that many Sri Lankans hold for the ocean. Despite early fears and warnings about the ocean, she pursued a career in marine biology and overcame hurdles to achieve her goals. She has received numerous accolades and recognitions, but her primary motivation is to inspire others to fall in love with the ocean and recognize its importance in sustaining life.
Through her work with the Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project, de Vos continues to study cetaceans and the biodiversity of their deep-sea environment. She is focused on protecting blue whales from ship strikes and creating awareness among Sri Lankans about the importance of ocean conservation. De Vos founded Oceanswell, Sri Lanka’s first marine conservation research and education organization, to engage the public and inspire “ocean heroes” who will safeguard the ocean for future generations.
De Vos is actively involved in mentoring students and advising universities on how to teach marine biology. She played a crucial role in establishing the Ocean University of Sri Lanka to promote oceanic education and support the next generation of marine scientists. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, de Vos hopes to encourage others to pursue careers in marine biology and continue her legacy of ocean conservation efforts.
Overall, Asha de Vos has made significant contributions to marine biology, particularly in studying the unique population of nonmigratory blue whales around Sri Lanka. Her dedication to conservation, education, and mentorship has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also inspired others to appreciate and protect the ocean. Through her work, de Vos continues to make a lasting impact on marine conservation efforts in Sri Lanka and beyond.
