Jemaville Lim: On salsa, sport, and the sea

Q What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Growing up, I aspired to become a chemist. However, my career path led me to the amazing world of marine conservation, which involves the protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas. Now, I get to work in a diverse field that spans species protection, habitat restoration, pollution control, sustainable practices, education and awareness, and climate change mitigation. I oversee complex regulatory compliance and environmental safeguarding on marine projects. 

Q What does your role as a Marine Fauna Observer involve?

As a Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) and Operations Environmental Manager, my primary responsibility is to advise on strategies that minimise the impact of operations on marine life and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This involves monitoring and documenting marine fauna activity to maintain detailed records and databases that demonstrate adherence to these standards. 

During my observations, I often spend extensive periods on the platform or vessel scanning the ocean for marine mammals, turtles, and whale sharks. These findings are compiled into comprehensive reports that document marine fauna interactions, operational activities, and adherence to compliance measures.

A significant aspect of my role also involves digesting and comprehending project regulatory permits, which can be as lengthy as 3000+ pages. Communication and training are another core part of my role, involving the development of training materials and conducting sessions to educate the crew and project operators about effective mitigation strategies.   

Q Why did you want to become a Marine Fauna Observer?

I initially approached RPS for a position in land seismic environmental consulting. When that role was no longer in demand and opportunities dwindled, I adapted and took the position of an MFO, which has opened a new world to me.  

Q What’s particularly satisfying about your work?

I appreciate the autonomy to choose projects, allowing me to align my professional aspirations with my personal interests and values. 

Q What’s the most fascinating thing you’ve done in your career / work?

There have been many awe-inspiring moments and life-enriching experiences. But the ones that stand out include seeing the Apostles from sea, land, and air; playing competitive sport (volleyball, basketball, table tennis, soccer, and badminton) on a vessel out at sea; and learning to salsa dance in the middle of the ocean.   

Q Can you think of a particular project that stands out?

One of my career-defining moments was leading a team during the 2021-2022 Beach Energy drilling campaign. This project was groundbreaking, marking the first time in Australia – and second on the world stage – that Marine Fauna Observers (MFOs) were involved on such a scale. We deployed MFOs across five different platforms, including vessels and a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU), and at times utilised a helicopter for aerial surveys. 

Leading this project was both challenging and exhilarating due to the steep learning curve associated with fine-tuning crucial procedures to ensure compliance with the project’s Environment Plan. Additionally, the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic required significant adaptation and resilience from the team. 

I found it incredibly rewarding to influence and refine the mitigation measures and procedural changes specific to MFO activities, enhancing the effectiveness of our drilling operations while ensuring the protection of marine fauna.