Ocean Careers

Susan Farady
Ocean Conservation Advocate, The Ocean Conservancy

Susan Farady's love for the sea began with a 4th grade science project. "I knew then I was hooked." So did her father, John Farady. "I remember when she saw the ocean for the first time, something in her just clicked," he said. "I could sense then that my daughter might end up doing something related to the ocean."

From a 4th grade science project to a degree in biology from the University of Colorado, then four years working on tall ships and yachts in every capacity, to finally landing at the Vermont Law School, the Colorado native has taken a circuitous road to her current post with the Ocean Conservancy's New England Regional office in Portland, Maine.

It's time to re-examine our relationship with the ocean and how we treat it.

"I speak out for ocean conservation by speaking at public meetings, writing reports and other documents, and informing Ocean Conservancy members and the public about how they can get involved in ocean issues," Susan said. "I'm also a member of different committees where I represent conservation interests."

One of her responsibilities as the project manager on marine ecosystem protection issues for the nonprofit Ocean Conservancy is to represent marine conservation interests on the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council.

"When I reflect on how we are managing our ocean and coastal resources today, I sometimes see it as the last great land grab,  she said. "Many varying interests increasingly want a piece of the ocean. Here at Stellwagen, like in other sanctuaries and protected marine areas, the challenge is how to fulfill the sanctuary's mandate to protect resources while demands on ocean resources are on the rise."

She added, "By protection, though, I don't mean just one piece of the puzzle. The key is that the entire ecosystem needs to remain intact because it is all connected."

In a recent article published in Ocean Conservancy's Blue Planet, Susan suggests that using sound science and public input to create "zones" for different purposes within the sanctuary could help conserve important resources, provide important scientific control sites, and be part of comprehensive ocean management.

She also noted other management actions that could help protect sanctuary resources. "For example, adopting regulations that would reduce whale entanglements, ship strikes and noise disturbance could enhance marine mammal protection. Monitoring and limiting vessel discharges could help improve water quality."

While studying biology in college, Susan fell in love with the marine sciences, but found herself interested in impacting management decisions and policies. By turning to law, and specifically environmental law, she felt she could make more of a difference in ocean-related concerns.

"It's time to re-examine our relationship with the ocean and how we treat it," she adds, "to resolve current conflicts as well as preserve our ocean heritage for generations to come."

"Everyone has their own personal relationship with the ocean," Susan said. "The fisherman needs it for his livelihood. The photographer brings beautiful images to the public. Energy companies want more and more from the ocean. The kayaker finds quiet enjoyment. And all want to make it their own. The challenge is to ensure that we sustain a healthy marine environment amdist all the demands for access. It is a daunting task that needs to be addressed now before the ocean's health is irreversibly damaged."

While a biology major in college, Susan fell in love with the marine sciences, but found herself interested in impacting management decisions and policies. By turning to law, and specifically environmental law, she felt she could make more of a difference in ocean-related concerns.

"It s time to re-examine our relationship with the ocean and how we treat it," she adds, "to resolve current conflicts as well as preserve our ocean heritage for generations to come."