NEREIDOcean Conservation
Organizing a multifaceted group of professionals and volunteers around the paramount task of establishing and defending sustainable, productive, and restorative practices and Human-Ocean relationships.
Who are we?
NEREID Ocean Conservation is a Boston-based melting pot of ocean conservationists. We leverage the diverse expertise, networks, and passions of our members to organize novel initiatives focused on promoting Ocean Health. At our core is the idea that when you put the energy, creativity, and drive of people with a common cause in the same room, magic happens. With an entrepreneurial spirit, NEREID members share their unique perspectives on where they see opportunities for progress. And with varying backgrounds, they identify and undertake projects to spearhead these efforts, ranging from hackathons and research to community classes and volunteer work. Welcome to all who love the ocean and believe it should be protected.
The group is comprised of scuba divers, sailors, free divers, surfers, and others who bring their professional expertise in areas like finance, law, robotics, public policy, science, marketing, and education to the table, solving problems and inspiring others to take action. By focusing on short-term, measurable projects that are immediately actionable, the group is lean and nimble in our approach, taking on a variety of ocean-related causes that are diverse in scope and taking advantage of the unique talents of our membership. Through collaboration with other ocean conservation groups, NEREID also looks for unique ways to help support our peers in our collective mission to protect the ocean.
Our founders
Mathew Schwartzman
Secretary
A Freediver and Marine Robotics Engineer, Mathew has used his expertise in systems architecture and oceanographic autonomy to build software for the National Deep Submergence Facility, the Ocean Observatories Initiative, and Sea Machines Robotics. Having spent much time at sea supporting these endeavors, Mathew is passionate about exploring and protecting the deep sea.
Nick Ferbert
President
Nick is a lifelong lover of the ocean and particularly its larger predators like sharks and whales. A Master Scuba Diver and a Freedivier, Nick's travels have taken him diving with hammerheads at Cocos Island and humpbacks in Norway! Professionally, he runs a private financial planning and investment advice practice at Baystate Financial.
Silvia Tower
CEO
A third-generation sailor who competed in the 2008 Olympic selections, Silvia built a successful racing career in international regattas before relocating to Boston in 2016. After a life-changing trip snorkeling with humpback whales, she co-founded NEREID, marrying her lifelong passion for the Ocean with her expertise as the Director of Product Management at Battery Ventures.
Emmy Whitney
Treasurer
Diving in the Bahamas, Emmy fell in love with the ocean at a young age. Now a Master Scuba Diver, she's swam with orcas in Norway and giant rays in Cocos. She also runs a successful event management company, working with nonprofits like Abaco Strong. When she's not planning galas or exploring new destinations as a certified travel advisor, she enjoys vinyasa yoga and spending time with her kids.