Meet the Team
Mao Mana Foundation was created by passionate individuals dedicated to furthering the understanding and protection of sharks in French Polynesia. Get to know our founders, team, and supporting members.
FOUNDERS
kori Burkhardt
An ecologist with a dedication to the conservation and research of shark and ray species in French Polynesia and globally. Her current research is focused primarily on movement and behavioral ecology. With over a decade of experience working as a wildlife expedition guide, she intends to promote positive human-shark interactions and highlight the importance of enforcing protective regulations currently place for the sharks of French Polynesia. She is currently pursuing her PhD with a focus on competition between large apex predators and the role of dominance in ecosystems.
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
Iotua: Captain
Ofe: Mechanic and Fisherman
JLuc: Engineer
Teikinui: Logistics
