Harnessing ‘Blue Knowledge’ to Future-Proof the Indian Ocean

By Debarati Sengupta

I am Debarati Sengupta, the Ocean Literacy Coordinator at the Estuarine and Coastal Studies Foundation in India. I obtained a Master of Marine Science degree from the University of Calcutta in 2023 and over the past three years, my research has centered on the estuarine and coastal ecosystems of the Indian Sundarbans. I have worked on zooplankton ecology, mangrove restoration and within the ocean science-policy interface. I have successfully coordinated mangrove literacy projects whilst engaging with youth and women in the Indian Sundarbans — part of the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem. This included working with various stakeholders to advance ocean-climate education in the Indian Ocean.

Photo. 1 Debarati in Perth on the UWA campus where the IORA Blue Carbon Hub offices are located. 

My motivation to join this program, was to explore ‘Blue Carbon Ecosystems’ (BCE) and develop a better understanding of best practices for mangrove restoration, especially how concepts might apply in India. In India, the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems is advanced through initiatives like the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI). While these efforts enhance nature-based climate solutions to achieve net-zero targets by 2070, India’s official NDC does not explicitly specify mangroves or wetlands. Key challenges in India include absence of a nationwide regulatory blue carbon framework and limited funding for blue carbon research. My objective for the ECOP was to pursue a project that integrated science and strategic communication with a special emphasis on the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem.

Photo 2. The IORA Blue Carbon Hub Office

The ECOP experience deepened my understanding of blue carbon habitats beyond the mangroves of the Indian Sundarbans. Our visit to Bunbury (mangroves), Mandurah and Beckenham (saltmarshes) and Dunsborough (seagrasses) in Western Australia and Anawilundawa Sanctuary in Sri Lanka (mangroves and saltmarshes) significantly developed my interest in blue carbon restoration. I learnt the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) for qualitative data analysis. Also, the weekly meetings with my supervisor, Mat, helped me to tackle complex questions from social research.

I collected data from two different groups, academia and coastal communities to integrate two different knowledge systems. The survey was intended to understand whether and how perceptions and attitudes towards mangrove restoration in the Indian Sundarbans varied with socio-economic background. I received 217 responses in total and analyzed the results using manual coding and Large Language Models (LLMs). The targeted prompts were designed to guide the models (Gemini and ChatGPT) to identify thematic categories and group related sub-themes. The final outcome was a presentation to CSIRO and others showing results and insights from the surveys and interviews undertaken.

Photo 3.  Left: Fieldwork trip to saltmarsh and mangroves (left to right) Rita, Debarati, Mat, Munawaroh, Gavindya and Shan. Right: Debarati learning about seagrass.

My experience at the IORA Blue Carbon Hub at CSIRO was a truly enriching and rewarding two-month journey. I’m especially grateful for the kind guidance and unwavering support of my supervisor Dr. Mat Vanderklift and CSIRO Scientist Dr. Fabio Boschetti, as well as my collaborator, Dr. Anirban Akhand from RMIT University.

The program was not just about research; it was a holistic learning experience. The regular progress meetings and shared ideas with my fellow participants were incredibly inspiring. It was also wonderful to have a balance of professional and personal development through fun activities, from exploring wildlife parks and aquariums to visiting blue carbon field sites. A highlight for me was collaborating with Mark on a sci-comms video (in the pipeline) — it was rewarding to produce a resource that could benefit the wider community. I’m thankful to Lauren for coordinating everything.

Photo 4. Left and middle photo at Caversham Wildlife Park and right photo at the Aquarium. 

My time was also defined by the broader cultural experience in Perth. I enjoyed exploring the beautiful UWA campus and watching sunsets over the Swan River, while the multicultural environment at our accommodation created a fantastic atmosphere for spending time and having fun with my colleagues.

The ECOP program was a life-changing experience. It has not only granted me greater independence as an Early Career Ocean Professional but has also significantly enhanced my scientific expertise in blue carbon.

Following the program, I was honored to participate in the IORA Think Tank Symposium 2025 in Sri Lanka, providing a unique opportunity to connect with global experts. My role as a session moderator on ‘Community-led restoration efforts’ broadened my understanding of successful, community-driven blue carbon projects from around the world, reinforcing the critical link between scientific concepts and on-the-ground implementation. 

Photo 5. (Left) Participants of the Think Tank in discussions with Debarati (Right) ECOP Alumni at the 2025 Think Tank Waruni, Debarati and Gavindya.

I would now like to pursue doctoral research in Australia and continue my studies on blue carbon science and policy. My vision is to develop a holistic blue carbon framework that translates scientific research into tangible benefits for society, promoting informed decision-making for sustainable development. I also envision successful blue carbon restoration projects in my country which involve best practices and evidence-based learning.