Nathaniel Ng: SHOAL / IUCN SSC ASAP Southeast Asia Programme Coordinator

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Nathaniel Ng: SHOAL / IUCN SSC ASAP Southeast Asia Programme Coordinator

Nathaniel Ng has joined the SHOAL team as the Southeast Asia Programme Coordinator alongside SHOAL partners IUCN SSC ASAP. He is a conservation biologist by training, with research background in population and conservation genomics and, in the years since his doctorate, has focused his efforts on the protection of life under the water’s surface, taking on aquatic-focused roles in conservation and research management in Mandai Nature, SEA Aquarium, and Mandai Wildlife Reserves, while freelancing in environmental consultation.

What’s your background?

Nathaniel: I am a conservation biologist with research specialisation in phylogenomics and population genomics and molecular ecology. I am fortunate to have enjoyed a diverse and multidisciplinary academic background, from sexual selection in insects, to Masters work in environmental science and management, on to PhD work focused on the patterns and mechanisms driving avian diversification across islands. Since completing my postgraduate degrees, I have turned my attention to freshwater fish conservation, accruing experience in conservation management and planning in the contexts of both NGOs (Mandai Nature) and zoos and aquaria (SEA Aquarium, Mandai Wildlife Group).

Where do you live?

Nathaniel: I presently live in Singapore.

What most excites you about working with SHOAL?

Nathaniel: Having worked on SHOAL/ASAP’s Strategic Framework to accelerate urgent action for Southeast Asia’s Critically Endangered freshwater fish in the past, what excites me the most is the opportunity to personally witness and help drive the protection of these oft-ignored but critical species. I am also enthusiastic about exploring the potential of roping in the expertise and interests of home hobbyists and zoos and aquaria, which could provide targeted and significant contributions to the protection of freshwater fishes.

What will your role on the team be?

Nathaniel: As the Southeast Asia Programme Coordinator, I will be managing and coordinating SHOAL’s efforts in Southeast Asia, working closely with a wide range of conservation partners (governments, scientists, communities, NGOs) with a focus on Critically Endangered species.

Gunung Halimun, Java

What do you find most interesting about freshwater species conservation?

Nathaniel: What makes freshwater species conservation challenging is also what makes it interesting: ever-growing human usage and extraction coupled with the fragility of freshwater ecosystems means that much innovation and persistence will be required to drive meaningful change. No two conservation challenges are ever going to be the same – which makes for a professional journey that is ever changing and never boring!

Do you have a favourite fish?

Nathaniel: This is too difficult of a question to answer! If I was forced to choose – maybe Parosphromenus tweediei. There’s just something about those stripes.

Nathaniel, welcome to the team!

Parosphromenus tweediei
Parosphromenus tweediei

Chouly Ou: SHOAL US Conservation Coordinator

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What’s your background?

Chouly: I am an interdisciplinary conservation scientist with expertise in freshwater fish ecology, community-based conservation, and capacity development. I have worked extensively in Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake and the Lower Mekong River Basin, conducting research and leading conservation efforts. Throughout my career, I have held roles at the School for Field Studies-Cambodia programme, WWF-US, and BirdLife International, where I taught and researched freshwater fish ecology and conservation, managing grants, and developing local capacity.

Where do you live?

Chouly: I currently live in Virginia, United States of America, though I am originally from Cambodia.

What drew you to working with SHOAL?

Chouly: I was drawn to working with SHOAL because of its strong focus on conserving globally threatened freshwater fish species, a critical yet overlooked taxon. This role perfectly aligns with my passion and mission to make an impact on freshwater fish species and their ecosystems at the global level.

What excites you about freshwater species conservation?

Chouly: Growing up in Cambodia, where fish and freshwater ecosystems are integral to our lives and culture, I experienced firsthand the vital role of the rich diversity of fish species and their ecosystems, like the Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River. Unfortunately, I also witnessed these fish and these systems’ increasing threats that often go unnoticed and lack the urgent attention they deserve. Seeing the incredible biodiversity and the growing threats facing them has motivated me to advocate for the conservation of freshwater species and their habitats.

What are you most looking forward to with this role?

Chouly: I am most looking forward to collaborating with communities, scientists, governments, NGOs, and private corporations to co-create long-term solutions for the recovery of the many globally threatened freshwater fish species and their ecosystems.

Do you have a favourite fish?

Chouly: It’s hard to choose, but I have a special connection to Schistura diminuta, the loach species I discovered during my Ph.D. research in Northeast Cambodia. It reminds me of how many species have yet to be discovered, yet they could become extinct before we get to know them if we do not work together to bring about conservation actions for freshwater fish species.

Chouly, a warm welcome to the team!

Chouly at work on Tonlé Sap.