Divya Panicker

Dr. Divya Panicker is a marine scientist specializing in marine mammal diversity and distribution in the northern Indian Ocean. She holds a PhD in Oceanography from the University of Washington, Seattle, and a Master of Science in Wildlife Management and Conservation from the University of Reading, UK. Her research focuses on marine mammals’ distribution within the monsoonal and oceanographic context of the Arabian Sea, using passive acoustic monitoring. Divya’s work includes the first documentation of blue whale songs in Indian waters and significant contributions to the designation of Lakshadweep as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA).

In addition to her research, Divya has led workshops and training programs on marine mammal research techniques across India and has collaborated with institutions like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Divya is passionate about capacity building within governmental organizations, research institutes, and among students in oceanography and bioacoustics. She consults with several organizations on marine research projects, contributing to the development of conservation strategies and the establishment of research programs in marine mammal science.