Meet the Team
Founded in French Polynesia, Mao Mana Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to shark research, conservation, and community engagement across the Pacific. Built on the belief that science and culture must work together, the foundation develops research and conservation initiatives that combine modern scientific methodologies with the deep ecological knowledge and traditions of Polynesian communities.
Our work focuses on understanding the ecology, behavior, and movement patterns of sharks through technologies such as satellite and acoustic telemetry, behavioral observation, photo-identification, and ecological monitoring. Through these efforts, Mao Mana Foundation contributes scientific data to support conservation planning, marine management, and the long-term protection of shark populations and ocean ecosystems.
At the heart of our mission is coexistence — between people and sharks, between conservation and community needs, and between traditional knowledge and modern science. We believe that meaningful conservation cannot exist without cultural respect, local inclusion, and community-led participation. By working alongside local communities, fishers, tourism operators, scientists, and youth, we aim to create solutions that protect both marine ecosystems and the cultural identities connected to them.
The foundation’s projects span multiple regions of French Polynesia and include research on species such as oceanic whitetip sharks and tiger sharks, as well as education initiatives, outreach programs, and collaborations with international scientific and conservation organizations. Through research, storytelling, and community engagement, Mao Mana Foundation strives to inspire a future where sharks are understood not through fear, but through knowledge, respect, and connection to the ocean.
FOUNDERS
kori Burkhardt
Kori Burkhardt is a marine ecologist, shark researcher, and science communicator whose work focuses on the movement ecology, behavior, and conservation of sharks. Kori’s work specializes in the ecology of large pelagic and coastal shark species, including oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) and tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier). Her research integrates satellite and acoustic telemetry, social network analysis, behavioral observation, genetics, and biologging technologies to investigate movement patterns, habitat use, and the environmental drivers shaping shark ecology across French Polynesia.
Kori has worked on shark research and conservation projects across the United States, Bahamas, New Zealand, Hawaii and French Polynesia. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Ecology, with research focused on the historical and contemporary ecology of sharks in French Polynesia.
In addition to her scientific work, Kori serves as an on-camera host and field scientist for both National Geographic and Discovery Channel Shark Week, helping communicate shark science and ocean conservation to global audiences through documentaries and expedition-based programming.
Pierrick seybald
Having spent all of his childhood and adult life immersed in the ocean ecosystems of French Polynesia, his first ocean passions were spearfishing and bodyboarding. His admiration for sharks quickly grew as he continued to observe them in the wild. As owner of an ocean ecotourism company, Moorea Moana Tours, his greatest passion is sharing his connection to the ocean with others through immersive experiences. Learn more about his story here
Taurama sun
Raised in the island of Rangiroa of the Tuamotus, his passion and life has always revolved around fishing. His experience as a fishermen also lead to a wealth of knowledge about sharks; their habitats, their connection to fish and lunar cycles, their migrational patterns, and more. Fishermen are often the most valuable knowledge source when it comes to a local ocean ecosystem. It is his goal to bridge the gap between fishermen and sharks as well as to educate the community on the importance of protecting the ecosystem and understanding the cultural importance of sharks.
TEAM MA’O MANA
Field Team
Charlotte Paques, Administrative Coordinator
Herehia Sanford,
Education & Outreach Coordinator
