Ocean Ambassadors

 
 

Welcome to our exciting new Ocean Ambassador programme, 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 programme 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 2026

Ocean Ambassadors!

Aarushi Agarwal

Hi! I’m Aarushi Agarwal, a 17-year-old from Mumbai, India, and an aspiring marine biologist. My experiences underwater sparked a deep passion for marine biology and ocean conservation, particularly the protection of seagrass meadows. Beyond diving, I am an active public speaker and a volunteer in animal welfare, using science, storytelling and art to advocate for the voiceless. As an Ocean Ambassador, I’m excited to raise awareness and inspire meaningful action for our oceans.

Aisy Haura Cassiopeia

Hi everyone! My name is Aisy, and I’m a 13-year-old ocean lover. I love everything and anything to do with the ocean, like surfing, diving, snorkelling, swimming and many more! I am incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity to share my passion for ocean conservation and raise awareness on marine conservation.

Alba Raya

Hi everyone! My name is Alba Raya, and I live in Barcelona, Spain. Growing up near the Mediterranean has given me a strong connection to the ocean and a deep appreciation for marine life. I’m passionate about ocean conservation and excited to be part of this programme, where I hope to learn from experts, collaborate with other Ocean Ambassadors, and help raise awareness to protect our oceans.

Dash Deaki

Hello, my name is Dashiell, I’m 15, and I’m from Hungary. I’ve always felt drawn to the ocean and its wildlife, especially sharks and ocean sunfish, and I plan on being a marine microbiologist. Even though I don’t live near the sea, marine conservation is something I care about strongly and consistently. I want to use my voice to raise awareness, support meaningful conservation efforts, and continue learning from professionals in the field. I’m truly grateful to be part of the Ocean Ambassador Programme this year.

Evana D’Souza

Hi! I’m Evana, a 14-year-old Ocean Ambassador living in Dubai. Growing up in the UAE has shown me how important the ocean is to our environment and future. I love spending my mornings at the beach and playing basketball, and being active outdoors makes me appreciate nature even more. I’m passionate about animals, especially turtles, and I hope to become a vet or marine biologist in the future. As an Ocean Ambassador, I want to use my voice to raise awareness about marine conservation and inspire other young people to protect our oceans.

Isa Shah

Hi everyone, my name is Isa Shah, I’m 17 years old and from Trinidad and Tobago. My connection to the ocean and the environment comes from both hands-on experience and quiet moments of peace. Being part of a scuba diving club has allowed me to explore marine life first hand and truly understand how important it is to protect it, while spending time reading or relaxing by the beach helps me feel grounded and connected to nature. These experiences have shaped my passion for marine life and conservation, especially the protection of oceans and coastal ecosystems. This opportunity means a lot to me because it allows me to learn, take action, and be part of something bigger than myself, turning my love for the ocean into real impact and gaining skills I can share with others to help protect our environment.

Jane Lee

Hi everyone! My name is Jane Lee, and I’m from South Korea. I’ve always been super into the ocean and the marine creatures that live in it. I would say my interest in it kick-started when I started scuba diving. Being underwater — surrounded by that quiet, gentle calmness and swimming alongside marine life — was an experience I could never forget. It made the ocean feel both vast and intimate at the same time, and from that moment on, I knew it would always be a part of me. Since then, I’ve pitched and carried marine workshops in my school on coral conservation, written a research paper on the ocean barren ground phenomenon and ocean forest restoration, and made countless videos to promote ocean literacy. Some of my favourite marine species include sharks (blue sharks and thresher sharks), vampire squids, and boxfish. I’m so excited to be a part of the Ocean Ambassador team, and I hope to continue learning, collaborating with like-minded peers, and advocating for the protection of our oceans.

Katelyn Benjamin

My name is Katelyn Benjamin, and I am a 17-year-old from St Helena Island, a remote and beautiful island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Having grown up surrounded by the sea, the ocean has played a defining role in my life and shaped my passion for marine environments. I applied to become an Ocean Ambassador to broaden my understanding of the wider world, learn from new experiences, and build valuable connections that can support my future aspirations in ocean-related fields.

Kaveri Shah

Hi! My name is Kaveri Shah, and I live in Nairobi, Kenya. I've always been a passionate advocate for the environment and an avid practitioner of sustainability practices. It has always surprised me how easily we overlook the connection between our daily choices and the rapid decline of the environment. When I was 10, I began Animal Activists Kenya with my brothers, and since then, I have used our platform to raise money and spread awareness about conservation practices. Otherwise, I love to hike and feel at peace whenever I'm in nature.

Malaaha Azuhar

I’m Malaaha, 16 years old and from the Maldives. I am passionate about advocating for and raising awareness about the ocean and manta rays. I love taking part in ocean-related activities such as surfing, snorkelling, and swimming. I am truly grateful to have been given this opportunity and so excited to be a part of the Ocean Ambassador Programme!

Manhall Mauroof

I’m Manhal Mauroof, a 17-year-old Maldivian student currently studying in Sri Lanka, and the ocean has always been a big part of my life. Over the years, I’ve been involved in a range of conservation efforts, from participating in the Clean Sri Lanka Project to working with The Pearl Protectors, taking part in MSC ELSA nurdle clean-ups, and even joining turtle patrols. Each experience has deepened my appreciation for the ocean and strengthened my desire to protect it. While I understand that, as a student, my individual impact may be limited, I strongly believe that through smart, efficient use of resources and collective action, we can maximise our impact even if we are just teenagers. This programme gives me a platform to develop and apply my skills in a meaningful way. I enjoy using public speaking and youth advocacy to raise awareness, as well as problem-solving and finding practical solutions. Being part of the Ocean Ambassador programme feels like the perfect way to bring together my passions for conservation, leadership, and my natural love for the ocean, while learning from experts and collaborating with like-minded people.

Mishka Khandelwal

Hi! My name is Mishka, I’m 16 years old, and I live in Mumbai, India. I’ve been diving since I was 11 and am now an Advanced Open Water diver certified in Nitrox with over 100 logged dives. Seeing plastic and trash underwater harming beautiful reefs and marine life has encouraged me to take a more active role in conservation. I’m deeply passionate about protecting the ocean and am currently working towards becoming a Divemaster, with hopes of pursuing a future in marine conservation. I’m very excited to be part of the Manta Trust Ocean Ambassadors Programme and look forward to learning, collaborating, and making a meaningful impact.

Molly Falkiner

Hola! My name is Molly, I’m 15 years old and from Nicaragua, currently living in Costa Rica. I love spending time in the ocean, whether I’m surfing, diving, or snorkelling, and I’m a certified diver who’s always excited to explore marine life up close. I’m passionate about marine conservation and protecting white-tipped reef sharks, which are my favourite species. I’m beyond excited to be part of this program because it’s an amazing opportunity to meet new people, share my love for the ocean, and make a real difference by raising awareness for marine life conservation.

Nanako Scialis

What do you call a friendly manta ray? A fin-tastic pal. Hello! My name is Nanako, and I'm a high school student in New Jersey. I love sharks and rays, and I plan on studying elasmobranchology in college. I spend lots of time going shell collecting and looking at corals. I love biology, the ocean, summer, going outside and snorkelling! I'm so excited to be part of the Ocean Ambassadors Programme, and I can't wait to learn more about marine science and conservation with my peers!

Nawfal Farhan

I am Nawfal Farhan, an International Baccalaureate student at the British International School Jeddah and the first Saudi Arabia–based Ocean Ambassador for the Manta Trust. Living by the Red Sea has shaped my passion for marine conservation and sustainability. I have taken part in hands-on service initiatives in Kenya through Kapes Uniforms, supporting community-based projects focused on water access and sustainability. This experience reinforced my commitment to locally driven environmental solutions. Through the Ocean Ambassador Programme, I aim to increase youth engagement in marine science and promote ocean literacy. I am also the Lead Organiser of TEDxYouth at my school, where I lead public-facing events that engage young people with global challenges through dialogue and ideas, strengthening my belief in communication as a driver of meaningful change.

Noa Gomberg

Hi! My name is Noa Gomberg, and I’m a 17-year-old student from Melbourne, Australia. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, I moved to Australia a few years ago, and I grew up around the ocean and cried when it was time to leave the beach. I love learning about animal behaviours, and you can find me binging any documentary or video about marine life in my spare time. I am beyond grateful to be part of this amazing Ocean Ambassadors programme. 

Oceana Owen

Hey there!  My Name is Oceana Owen; I am 15 years old and am currently living in Perth, Australia. I was born in Borneo and have grown up living near the oceans, snorkelling, diving, and learning about marine animals. I am a PADI advanced diver and am passionate about marine ecosystems and conservation.  I feel so lucky to be a part of the Ocean Ambassador programme and very excited to be part of a team and make a difference.

Prisca Sawakar

Hi! I’m Prisca, I’m 16, and I’m from Bangalore, India. I’m an SSI-certified scuba diver and a springboard diver, so I’ve spent a lot of my life in the water. Whenever I can, you’ll find me scuba diving, surfing, or diving—there’s nothing I love more than being in the water. Seeing manta rays and other marine life up close is seriously amazing and makes me even more pumped about protecting our oceans. I joined the Manta Trust Ocean Ambassador programme because I want to learn more about manta rays, marine ecosystems, and how conservation work is done. Being part of a program like this is a great chance to gain hands-on experience, learn from experts, and contribute to protecting the oceans and the amazing creatures that live in them.

Rie Wong

Hi! My name is Rie, and I’m a 17-year-old high school student from Hong Kong. I've always been drawn to the ocean, planning my travels around coastlines to snorkel and dive. Getting my PADI Advanced Open Water certification last summer deepened that connection, as I fell in love with the peace the ocean brings. However, diving has also shown me the direct impacts of climate change on marine life. Seeing that contrast between its beauty and the damage is what drives me to protect these ecosystems. I plan to study Environmental Science at university, and I'm thrilled to join this programme to gain the knowledge and skills to protect what I love.

Rosalind Turner

Hi! My name is Rosalind, I am 14 and live in the North West of England, about 1.5 hours away from the sea. I’ve been interested in marine life from an early age, inspired by family holidays to the Isle of Mull, where I love rock pooling, crabbing, and spotting cetaceans. I enjoy taking part in citizen science projects like the Shark Trust’s Great Eggcase Hunt, and in 2025, I won the 11–14 category of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour infographic competition for my work on the shell-swapping behaviour of hermit crabs. As an ocean ambassador, I want to focus on the impact of fast fashion on the marine environment.

Shanariha Evans

I am a 14-year-old environmental and ocean advocate dedicated to protecting the planet and inspiring young people to take action. I am also the founder of the Young Warriors Club, a youth-led initiative that promotes climate and ocean education while empowering children and teens to become environmental leaders in their communities. Through the Young Warriors Club, I have led projects focused on ocean conservation and biodiversity restoration, including mangrove planting and coral reef gardening. My work helps protect marine ecosystems, strengthen coastal resilience, and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable living. Passionate, driven, and committed to creating real change, I represent a new generation of young warriors working to safeguard the Earth for the future.

Sherina Faizah

Halo teman-teman - Hello friends! My name is Sherina, I am a 16-year-old and am currently a high school student in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I have always been obsessed with biology, particularly environmental science. Fun fact about me, besides drawing, I enjoy doing research projects and environmental volunteering. I am thrilled to be a part of the Manta Trust Ocean Ambassadors programme, and I hope to gain insights and spread awareness to help protect our ocean!

Sitara Kistiah

My name is Sitara Kistiah, and I am a 17-year-old marine science student from South Africa. Studying at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town has given me a front-row seat to the wonders of our underwater world and the urgent challenges it faces. As an Ocean Ambassador for the Manta Trust, I am excited to combine my passion for scientific learning with a commitment to advocacy. I look forward to collaborating with the Ocean Ambassadors team to protect our marine ecosystems and inspire others to join the fight for a healthier, more sustainable ocean.

Tallie Lin

I’m Tallie, and I live in Hong Kong. I’m deeply passionate about ocean conservation and love spending time in the sea (especially when the water’s warm!). I recently earned my SCUBA certification, which has made me appreciate marine ecosystems even more. As part of my advocacy work, I serve on the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council and the Bow Seat Future Blue Youth Council, working to promote ocean conservation. This year, as my project, I’m developing an Ocean Climate Literacy Program to make ocean and climate education more accessible.

Tobias Johnson

Hi. My name is Tobias. I am 13 years old and live in the United Kingdom. I enjoy drawing, skiing, spending time with my dog, and my favourite subject at school is history. I am passionate about the environment and have previously raised money to save sections of rainforest in Borneo. I love the ocean and have enjoyed snorkelling in the Indian Ocean. I hope to learn to dive and to see a manta in person very soon! I am looking forward to learning more about these amazing creatures over the coming year as an Ocean Ambassador.

Xavia Furner

Hello! My name is Xavia, and I'm 13 years old. I'm originally from North Queensland, but now live down on the south coast of Australia in Victoria. My dream is to be able to work with Marine Life as my curiosity for the unknown really inspires me! My favourite things to do are to travel, listen to music and go snorkelling. My family and I are lucky enough to have experienced swimming with whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks and turtles, which are all my favourite animals! I'm so excited to learn new things about animals and the ocean from Manta Trust, as the ocean is the place I love the most!

Yuh Muaviyath

Hi! My name is Yuh, and I’m from the Maldives. I’m 18 and currently an 11th-grade student. Being surrounded by the ocean my whole life, I’ve always felt connected to it. I’m especially passionate about protecting the diverse marine life that we are fortunate to have here in the Maldivian seas. In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending every spare moment outdoors. I recently tried out diving and hope to become a certified diver sometime in the future. I aspire to lead a career in the field of marine conservation, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to learn more about it!

Ocean Ambassadors

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