Pádraig 'Pod' O'Grady has been working in conservation for almost 10 years, and in project management for the last 4. With a BSc in Marine Biology, and an MSc in Animal Behaviour coupled with years of field experience he has joined the team to help improve the scientific focus of the project and increase the overall research output. He is an avid photographer, and when not overseeing the project you can generally find him underwater, camera in hand, searching for sharks.

Jacques is a dive instructor all the way from South Africa. He is the “dad” on camp making sure you wear your shoes when you go to town. He has dived in all sorts of conditions, from cold to warm, strong currents to no currents, 30m visibility to no visibility. His favourite dive site is in the Philippines, a wall dive called Payong-Payong, which apparently translates to umbrella-umbrella.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Science and Zoology, Masters of Biological Science majoring in Zoology. He is a soon to be Master Diver and a keen free diver.

Imogen holds a Bachelor in Zoology with a focus on Marine Biology. She is a divemaster with a keen interest in coral. She aims to dive as many coral reefs around the world as she can. Her favourite reef to date is Simon’s reef in Gili Air, Indonesia.

Thomas is currently on his gap year, getting his first experience in marine science. He is on his way to completing his divemaster course. He was dived in Ireland, Germany, Croatia and here in Madagascar. His favorite animal on this planet are Mola Molas.

Franck is based in our Hellville office and meticulously organises budgets and books for MRCI. He is also a well respected and educated member of the community and as such also assists with meetings, contracts, agreements and translating with our local partners.

Tantely is based in Hellville and organises reliable and safe transport for MRCI. He organises all MRCI's transport needs within Nosy Be and further afield if needed.

Christian is MRCI's coordination manager in Antananarivo where he liaises directly with the Department of Environmental Affairs as well as the Ministry of Higher Education.

Bianca is enthusiastic about ecotourism and community building. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development and the Environment and is also a qualified Geography teacher. Bianca's passion for volunteering led her to MRCI in both 2017 and 2019 and she has since joined the team as our communications liaison and volunteer coordinator. When not behind her computer, you can catch her outside in the fresh air soaking up some sunshine.

Courtney joined MRCI in 2017 and has been working both outside and within Madagascar since. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communication from Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography in South Africa. She is passionate about conservation, animal welfare and sustainable living.