This week we’re with André Cid from AIMM. With passion and determination André and some others set up their NGO AIMM. André loves what he does, and who wouldn’t with the ocean as his office, the wind as his air conditioner and he studies wild animals in their wild environment! 

Name: André Cid

Job Title: Marine Biologist, Research and Operations Coordination with AIMM

Organisation: AIMM – Marine Environment Research Association

  • What inspired you to pursue a career in marine conservation?

Since my childhood the ocean and all its animals fascinate me! When I first snorkelling in the live and I saw the ocean I realize that this is where I want to live and work!

  • What steps did you take/are you taking to achieve your career goals?

I study to be a Marine Biologist in 2008 from the University of Lisbon. After my Master Degree I meet a group of extraordinary people, that together we decide to start a NGO (AIMM – Marine Environment Research Association) for research and marine conservation.

I also qualify myself as a Dive Instructor and a Boat License. This tools allow me to work on the marine environment, although not directly in marine research as I want.

  • How did you land your current job/position? 

We create it! Not the most easy and conventional way, but was the way that we found in Portugal, since there were no spaces available to do marine research by the time I finish university.

  • Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?  

I love what I do! Note, my office is the ocean, my air condition is the wind and I study wild animal in the wild environment!

  • Are there aspects of your position which make you feel that you are really ‘making a difference’? 

There are several aspects. One of the most interesting one for me is the possibility that I have to change people conscience about the Marine Environment and Conservation.

  • What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were starting out?  

Be an active marine biologist is not just working in the field. There is a lot of work behind to make the field work happen! Could be really difficult for you to find a place to work and do what you study for, but never give up!

  • Are there any skills you never thought you would need but did?

Communication! You can be the most knowledgeable researcher but if your findings don’t reach the public in a proper way to be understood, you are not passing your message and your knowledge is no use!

  • What advice would you give to budding marine conservationists?  

The health of our oceans is critical for the survivor of Planet and all the species including us! Any kind of initiative or effort to Preserve and Conserve the Marine Environment make the difference. Doesn’t matter if you are moving icebergs or just teaching your “neighbour” to not leave garbage in the ocean. With a lot of small actions we can move icebergs!

  • What is your favourite marine creature and why?  

Sharks! They have a very bad reputation, but they are essential for the health of our oceans.

  • What is your most unforgettable moment in the sea?  

I have many…. One of the then was when I spot 3 Fin whales (two adults and one calf) travelling around the South Coast of Portugal. It is an emotion that I recommend to everyone, you need to see and be close (respecting the rules and safety) to a whale in the ocean.

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Thank you André, we could not agree more the importance of communication and as you say you can be the most knowledgeable researcher but if your findings don’t reach the public in a proper way to be understood, you are not passing on your message and your knowledge is no use!

You can join AIMM on their Humpback Whale Research & Learning Programme in Cape Verde or participate in their Dolphin Research Internship in Portugal.  Both are fantastic ways to gain experience for the next step in your career.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly job alert emails and keep an eye on our Wise Work pages so you don’t miss your dream opportunity in marine conservation.