Insights How Don is promoting and protecting biodiversity
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do
I am Don Deis. I have a Master of Science degree in marine ecology and am a certified environmental professional in assessment. I am a vice president, principal technical professional and have been with AtkinsRéalis ’s Atkins business for 25 years. I was fortunate to have been able to build the marine/estuarine ecology program within the company, working as both a project manager and a technical person.
What are the most important elements or fundamental aspects of biodiversity and how do they impact your daily life both personally and at work?
As ecologists, we use diversity indices to characterize the species within an environment. A poor environment would have a few dominant species. A healthy environment would have many species distributed evenly across the landscape. Habitats can have a foundation species that forms the actual habitat, along with more varieties of species within that habitat, like seagrass beds, herbaceous wetlands and some coral reefs.
My university research was on pollution-tolerant marine species in a polluted environment. This has allowed me to study and understand both ends of the biodiversity spectrum. I now view the environment on where it exists on the spectrum between healthy and polluted.
Of course, many of our cities are not diverse environments. Personally, I gravitate towards diverse environments for living and recreation. I want to walk out my door and see many different things.
What inspired you to advocate for biodiversity on a professional level?
I started my career as a scientist and regulator (environmental permit processor) for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This introduced me to the environmental impacts of development. It taught me the importance of the National Environmental Policy Act, stepping back and evaluating the overall impact of projects. This drove my interests, not so much taking the position of advocating for biodiversity, but rather educating others on the importance of biodiversity, understanding environmental impacts, and how to mitigate them to maintain biodiversity.
The ultimate example of this was my work in the National Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) for the environment impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, particularly the grounding of the Containership Houston on the reefs at American shoals in the Florida Keys. The ship left a trench in the reef from the propeller, damaging the reefs. After assessing the damage, we identified a two-phase solution: (1) a primary restoration, attempting to repair the damage where possible and stabilize the reef system; and (2) a compensatory restoration, alternatives to make up for the reef losses that couldn’t be repaired and the amount of time for the restored damages to regain use. Through a cooperative agreement with the shipping company, primary restoration took about one year. In addition, the company paid for all the light structures along the Florida Keys reefs to have an active navigation signal that made ships aware of the location of the reefs. Prior to the grounding incident, the structures were passive, so the ship’s crew had to first see the light and then locate the structure with radar. Installation of that system has prevented subsequent groundings.
This taught me that often simple solutions can positively impact biodiversity and it’s our job to help find those solutions.
Why should the average person care about biodiversity, why is it important for all of us?
Given the choice, I would think that everyone would choose a diverse, healthy environment over a polluted one. That is what maintaining biodiversity is all about. My wife and I just moved south to Melbourne, Florida, partly to be near the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). I have been working on and studying the seagrass system in the IRL throughout my career. In 2009, the system began to experience a die-off of seagrasses. Since then, restoration efforts have occurred, but the system needs to recover the water quality before seagrasses can fully return. I find that most of the citizens in this area understand the importance of recovering water quality and seagrasses because they see how fish and fisheries are affected. They voted on a tax just for the restoration of the IRL system and it’s paying for water quality improvement projects. Many nongovernmental organizations in the area help citizens and communities do shoreline, oyster, clam and seagrass restoration projects as well. I plan to be a part of that restoration as a scientist advocate and participant.
Are there any other projects that stand out for you where AtkinsRéalis has really made a difference towards promoting and protecting biodiversity?
I could point to many examples. I think that it’s our job as scientists to find ways to inform and educate our clients and engineers on impacts to biodiversity and work with them to find project alternatives that best mitigate those impacts.
Just for fun… Do you have a favourite type of ecosystem and why?
I hate to choose just one, but if I must, it would be seagrass ecosystems.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
![the three pillars of sustainability](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/_Xu26CRc709AQgjaEnvzHA/75/the+three+pillars+of+sustainability.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
What are the three pillars of sustainability? When facing a challenge as mighty as sustainability, it's logical to break the topic into more manageable subtopics - like economic sustainability, envir
![A Picture of Kiran smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/hye9y-sr3EhNNQjcE2fYDQ/75/Kiran+PC+Expo_3+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we are dedicated to shaping the future through innovative infrastructure projects that make a significant impact on communities around the world. We are excited to share the ex
![A Picture of Ashley smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/efFOts4nE0kc7gjcek5B5w/75/Picture3.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
From starting as a Civil and Structural Engineering Apprentice to leading major projects at AtkinsRéalis, Ashley’s career journey is a testament to the power of passion, leadership, and contin
![A picture of Bobby along with his dog at a café.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/f55pKSdvokbqdgjcsFVGjQ/75/BobbyMasonThumbnail+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/02/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Bobby. After playing professional ice hockey in America and Europe I spent eight years as a Royal Navy submarine weapons and communications engineer. Towards the end of my su
![city at sunset with bridge going over a river](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/_mh_o-Brc0S4_wjaU5OWRg/75/shutterstock_1078734461-min.jpg)
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
The Australian market is an important growth area for AtkinsRéalis. Over the last 26 years, we have established a strong presence with offices across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. AtkinsRéalis i
![image of ravikumar](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/_Bf_F1ctS0oQMAjcyJi5pQ/75/Screenshot+2024-08-30+at+12.16.04.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
My rapid career progression and professional growth across engineering roles at AtkinsRéalis. Hello. I'm Ravikumar from AtkinsRéalis' Global Technology Centre (GTC) in India. As I write this, I'v
![image of bindu](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/cFm6WB0AAUp7XQjcyJ_1eA/75/WhatsApp+Image+2024-08-29+at+1.18.03+PM+(1)+(1).jpeg)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
Returning to work after a career break? Bindu shares how AtkinsRéalis can empower your return. Hi, I'm Bindu, an Account Lead at AtkinsRéalis in India. I manage a team of eight that handl
![image of sarah](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/4sECDNnYsEYixAjcyG4n0A/75/Sarah+3+(1).jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
How I grew my architectural roots into sustainable innovation: my rewarding career journey at AtkinsRéalis. Ahlan wa sahlan! My name is Sarah, and I work for AtkinsRéalis in Cairo. I began my jou
![image of sudhapriya](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/dNxZbtV-00worgjczLN1-Q/75/Sudha-tn.png)
Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
How I mix flexible working and family to thrive as a leader in the Nuclear New Build team. Hello, I'm Sudhapriya. I joined AtkinsRéalis in mid-2017 as contract staff on the Transportation team. A
![image of gobinath smiling](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/QPrib_nVaksivwjcyG4n0A/75/Gobinath+India+(1).jpg)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
My rapid career growth at AtkinRéalis from senior engineer to practice manager Nuclear New Build Hello! My name is Gobinath. I graduated from PSG College of Technology in 2008 as a gold medalist.
![A picture of Olu smiling](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/QhoVhIJjTk4_SQjctz8oMA/75/Olu3TN+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/27/2024
Summary
Hi, I'm Olutomide. I work with the Project & Programme Services team at AtkinsRéalis. As a Risk Consultant, I'm part of a diverse team that delivers major infrastructure projects and natio
![Yasmeen Mohammed portrait](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/0HGNDJnUaUpXjQjcxXh8cg/75/yasmeen2.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/26/2024
Summary
Yasmeen Husain Mohamed is a dedicated professional in the field of Talent Acquisition, currently serving as an Advisor at AtkinsRéalis. Her career is built upon a foundation of fostering relatio
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Linxon - NewCo
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
Job Title: Testing & Commissioning Site coordinator/ Commissioning Engineering SpecialistLocation: Jeddah, SAJoin Linxon!We combine AtkinsRéalis project management expertise and Hitachi Energy’s deep
Reference
R-119441
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for Junior Consultant – Risk Management, UAE National.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world
Reference
R-119406
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRealis are currently looking for Project Director in Riyadh, KSA with a demonstrated experience in the management of large-scale Arts & Culture projects (Design + Construction).You will be requi
Reference
R-119388
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Business support
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to
Reference
R-119363
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Human resources
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Requirements:Achieved a minimum of 4 out of 5 GPA or equivalent in a relevant degree - Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineer
Reference
R-119285
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Architecture
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to eng
Reference
R-119193
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Structural engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Junior Structural Engineer to join our growing team in the Middle East within our UAE offices. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing department within a la
Reference
R-119086
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to
Reference
R-119083
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for Senior Manager – Digital Platform Product Owner.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-c
Reference
R-119032
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Mohammed WaseemAuthor
Mohammed WaseemSalary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Human resources
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people. About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class e
Reference
R-119012
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more