Coastal Biodiversity Otago ranger Jim Fyfe was awarded the Wild Dunedin Hero 2023 Award.
For Mr Fyfe, working with sea lions and coastal communities was more than just fun, it was a privilege.
"I love my work," Mr Fyfe said.
"I love the coastal communities I’m working with, so it is a really great privilege and an honour to be recognised by them."
Mr Fyfe’s impressive career spans nearly 40 years working in coastal conservation and marine wildlife and biodiversity.
His father was a vet and he grew up snorkeling and diving off the Northland coast.
After receiving a degree in zoology in 1989, he moved to Dunedin to pursue a two-year contract with the Department of Conservation looking at marine reserve options on the Otago coastline.
"Otago has a fantastic coastline, I was sold when I arrived," he said.
"If I’d grown up down here I’d have my same love of the ocean."
The return of sea lions to the Otago coastline fascinated him and reflected their rich history with the area.
He was pleased people had learnt to live with them and treat them with respect.
"The relationship between humans and wild animals is something to be wondered at.
"To help facilitate a respectful relationship is pretty special."
Mr Fyfe said sea lions were curious and charismatic creatures with a bit of an ego.
"After about an hour of hard work, we got her back down to the beach and into the water.
"We turned back around and she was completely in play mode and followed me back up on to the beach.
"In the end, I had to jump back in the truck and leave her to it."
Mr Fyfe said he had many special moments with sea lions over the years and it was hard to mention only one.
"There’s happy and sad stories, there’s really important and poignant moments.
"All along these journeys you’re learning more about these species and its habitat needs."
When asked what he had planned next, Mr Fyfe said he was perfectly content staying where he was.
"With a job like this on the Otago coast, it’s hard to think what else there might be."
