The start of a wonderful thing

NAME: Nicolas J Pilcher

LOCATION: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

BACKGROUND: Born in England, raised in Spain, undergrad in the US, cut my teeth on turtle work during seven years in Saudi Arabia, and another fifteen in Malaysia and beyond. Somehow catapulted up the ranks to be President of the 2003 Symposium, and now Co-Chair of the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group

1. Which sea turtle symposium did you last go to (when and where)?

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (and yet far from being a record holder!)

2. Were you nervous about going, why?

Absolutely! I didn't know anyone, and felt so out of place in my first ten minutes. But soon made wonderful friends, people I will remember always, like Thelma Richardson, Ali Al-Kiyumi, Nicholas Mrosovski, Perran Ross, Sam Sadove. This was the days of emerging email, and I just didn't know anyone. That changed dramatically though thereafter! I met Karen Bjorndal, and Alan Bolten, Marydele Donnelly, you name it. A whole suite of Who's Who of the turtle world all in one room.

3. How did you enjoy the experience?

Hard to describe my first STS... Stunning. Amazing. Fun, Crazy. Zany. Wacky. Informative. Awesome. The best ever. As I said, too many words. But the bottom line was that I was made to feel at home, and a member of an privileged group of people, and it felt great to fit in.

4. What were the most important/significant things that you gained from attending?

Meeting people, meeting people, and meeting people. What a place! Everyone who is anyone was there, and they were all so approachable and keen to hear of my needs and concerns.

5. Why are these things significant?

The truth is not much has changed. Every year I am there, and every year I see loads of younger 'me's attending for their first time, and going through what I went through. I hope I can give back to them what the turtle community at these meetings has given me. The relationships I built up in those early days persist today. I have friends around the planet, all concerned for the same things I am. Couldn't really ask for more.

6. Who would you tell to come and check out a symposium?

Anyone who is involved in turtle biology and conservation. Whether they be volunteers on a beach, or seasoned professionals or students embarking on a great challenge. The STS will make all feel at home, and will provide a lasting and significant impact on what you learn, who you meet, and where you go from there.

7. Are you hoping to attend the 2009 symposium in Brisbane, why?

Kidding? Wouldn't miss it! This is my networking and friends 'central'. See you all there!!!