Ocean Ambassadors
Welcome to our exciting new Ocean Ambassador program, where young minds with a passion for marine science and conservation can make a splash in the world of ocean advocacy! Designed for 13-18 year olds, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the ocean.
Our Ocean Ambassadors will gain opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of marine science and the importance of conservation efforts. Through a series of engaging talks, participants will have the chance to learn directly from leading scientists in the field, gaining insights into cutting-edge marine research and the challenges facing our oceans today.
Ocean Ambassadors will also have the chance to take on the role of interviewer, conducting interviews with scientists to delve into their work and experiences firsthand. This hands-on approach not only provides the ambassadors with valuable insights into the world of marine science, but we will also challenge them to find ways to share their newfound knowledge with others.
As part of the programme, the Ocean Ambassadors will have the opportunity to develop their own projects aimed at promoting ocean science and conservation. Ocean Ambassadors will have the support and guidance they need to turn their ideas into impactful initiatives in their own regions.
MEET OUR 2024
Ocean Ambassadors!
Alosha Samaraachchi
My name is Alosha , I am young marine biologist living in Sri Lanka! I’m super excited to be a Manta Trust Ocean Ambassador! I am very interested in marine biology, marine life and oceanography. Our oceans are full of undiscovered life and many beautiful surprises and I am passionate about exploring and conserving the mysterious oceanic world.
Athaylia-Jade Fong
Bula! My name is Athaylia-Jade and I am a high school student currently studying environmental science. I enjoy reading books and creating art in my free time. I live in Fiji and am excited to be apart of the Ocean Ambassador Program!
Ben Shaw
Hi! My name is Ben and I live in Pattaya, Thailand and I have an avid desire to become an ecologist to study and protect all the amazing animals in the ocean blue.
Coco Claypoole
I’m Coco. I live on the gulf coast of Florida. I love to sail and race Optimist Dinghies. I'm dive certified and am part of a group called SCUBAnauts International that focuses on scientific diving. I love to dive because you can be underwater for a long time observing the different animals. I love all marine animals, so I’m excited to be one of the first Manta Trust Ocean Ambassadors.
Ebenezer Laltaika
Hi everyone! My name is Ebenezer Laltaika I am a triathlete and competitive debater attending the UWC Campus in Tanzania. I am excited to be a Manta Trust Ocean Ambassador. I'm passionate about marine biology and can’t wait to delve deeper into ocean conservation.
Elei Clarke
I'm Elei Clarke and I'm 14. I'm from Samoa and during term time I go to boarding school in Aotearoa New Zealand. I enjoy being in nature, swimming, being on the water and spending time with friends and family. I love sea turtles because they are so gentle and glide through the water. They are sacred in Polynesian cultures but have become endangered through over hunting and climate change. I love the ocean and everything in it. Growing up in Samoa, the ocean is all around us and sustains us. I'm passionate about ocean conservation and I want to help people understand how beautiful and important the ocean is for all of us.
joe chew
I'm Joe, a Malaysian youth on a mission to amplify the voices of our oceans. As a public speaker, 3D modeling enthusiast, 3D Printing expert, a seasoned drone pilot and an active oceanist since 8, I am poised to ignite change and champion the preservation of our planet's most vital resource.
Julia Aveline Rabenjoro
Hi everyone! My name is Julia, I am a French 16 year old ocean lover and Junior DiveMaster, currently living in Sabah, Malaysia. I am truly grateful and excited to be part of this first batch of Manta Trust Ocean Ambassadors! Education and awareness are the most important tools to have and grow when you want to protect the ocean and its living creatures and I have no doubt youth should and can be part of it.
Kinjo Hannah Acallar
Mabuhay! My name is Kinjo Hannah, a 13-year old Grade 8 student from the Philippines. I am so delighted to be a Manta Trust Ocean Ambassador and be a part of a group of fellow young leaders who care about life below water. I cant wait to learn more about marine life and how we can play an active role in promoting ocean literacy so we can protect our Ocean together. I look forward to our activities and fun moments together under this amazing program.
Liv Lindenmann
Hi there! I'm Liv, a 16-year-old diver from Germany. Whether diving in the depths or snorkeling in the shallows, I'm dedicated to making waves for healthy oceans with vibrant marine life. I'm super grateful to be part of the Manta Trust Ocean Ambassador Program.
Samuel Ang Krishnan
Hello! I'm Sam, a 14 year old student living in Hong Kong. I am really excited and honoured to have the opportunity to be a Manta Trust Ocean Ambassador, and I hope I can use my passion for marine biology to help raise awareness about the challenges our oceans face!
Skye Neville
Hi, my name is Skye, I’m 13 years old and I’m an environmental campaigner living on the West Coast of Wales. I love climbing, sailing and reading books. I’m honoured to be an Ocean Ambassador for The Manta Trust, and I can’t wait to connect with other young ocean activists across the globe.
Tabina Althafunnissa
Hello! My name is Tabina, I'm currently a secondary student living in Indonesia. I'm really honored to be a part of the Manta Trust Ocean Ambassadors, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the ocean and the creatures that live within it.
Tarun Moizuddin
Hey! My name is Tarun Moizuddin and I'm a 17-year-old from Mumbai, India. I'm really passionate about the ocean and marine life, and I hope to make a significant difference as a part of the Ocean Ambassadors program. I love to scuba dive and surf, and I wish I had gills instead of a pair of lungs ;)
Zaara Ibrahim Hassan
Hi! My name is Zaara, I’m 15 years old and a student in Grade 9 living in the beautiful island Fuvahmulah, Maldives. I’m really excited to be a Manta Trust Ocean Ambassador. Whenever I get time, I love going to the beach, swimming and exploring marine animals. I find the beauty and wonder in every creature that calls the ocean home, and I can’t wait to learn more about these creatures!
Alex Heller
Hi, I'm Alex. I am a debater, bridge player and high school student in Sydney, Australia. I love scuba diving and marine animals and am passionate about protecting the oceans. I'm very excited to join the Ocean Ambassador Programme.
Jureyl John Camba
Marajaw na Adlaw! I am Jureyl, 18, residing in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines. I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Dawn and Student Body President of our institution. My commitment to youth empowerment is marked through my role as a Philippine Youth Ambassador to the US and an Alumnus of the Philippine Youth Leadership Program in the US for a month. Moreover, I have been recognized internationally, winning the Immerse Education Essay Competition back-to-back, securing partial scholarships at prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom and other countries like University of Cambridge and UOxford. Now, I am more than ready to be an Ocean Ambassador to continue my fight to champion ocean conservation.
