Women in science - meet Lesley Diver

Lesley Diver is a Senior Manager in the Marine Planning unit of NSW DPI Fisheries, and yes, over her 30 + year career, she’s had a bit of ribbing about her last name.

Lesley manages the 12 aquatic reserves in NSW to protect marine biodiversity while supporting other sustainable uses, including research, education, eco-tourism and cultural and recreational use.

Lesley commenced her career in Fisheries as a summer student in 1984, then as a Fisheries research technician after completing her Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Marine Biology.  

Lesley has held various roles across DPI Fisheries over her career, including in recreational fishing, habitat protection, habitat rehabilitation, aquatic biosecurity, marine estate and marine park planning, and aquatic reserve management.  

She completed a Master of Science in Environmental Management while working as a recreational fisheries manager.

“I believe the variety of roles I have held, as well as my Masters, has helped me better understand how all the different issues interact to affect our marine life and our enjoyment of the marine environment.  

I am passionate about improving the management of aquatic reserves and a big part of that is to improve people’s understanding of the reserves so they can appreciate and help protect these special places.”