Dr. Divya Karnad is an Indian marine conservationist and associate professor at Ashoka University, dedicated to sustainable seafood, fisheries management and marine biodiversity protection. With a Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the National Centre for Biological Sciences and Manipal University, India, and a PhD in Geography from Rutgers University, USA her work is interdisciplinary and focuses on the human dimensions of  conservation. Her conservation philosophy integrates science, policy, and community engagement, emphasizing local fisher knowledge and participatory management approaches. She has published extensively in academic journals and contributes to public discourse on marine sustainability in India.

She co-founded InSeason Fish, India’s first sustainable seafood initiative that connects small-scale, sustainable fishermen with better seafood markets, while reducing bycatch and improving seafood consumer awareness about marine conservation. She also headed the marine programme at the Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning for 5 years. As part of her work with the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group, she co-chairs the Human Dimension Working Group and conducts research on sharks and rays across South Asia.

For her contributions to science and marine conservation, Divya has received several prestigious awards, including the Future for Nature Award (2019) for her efforts to link shark conservation with sustainable seafood,  Excellence in Culinary Conservation at Condé Nast India’s Top 50 Restaurant Awards (2023) for her impact on restaurant sustainability in India, recognised as a Locavore Champion (2022) for her efforts to connect restaurants with local fishing communities. Her scientific contributions were recognised through an Oxford Martin Visiting Fellowship (2024), and by the Program for Excellence in Science of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2011). Her achievements as a science communicator were recognised by the John Muir Conservation Award by the  John Muir Association, USA, and when she won the Best Oral Presentation at Student Conference on Conservation Science, University of Cambridge, UK (2009). 

Through her research, outreach, and advocacy, Dr. Karnad continues to shape marine conservation in India and increasingly across the region, ensuring the long-term health of South Asia’s coastal ecosystems and fisheries.