An inspired conservationist from one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, Papua New Guinea, Yvonne raises awareness about the importance of protecting the ocean. Working closely with community leaders and youth, she advocates for marine conservation and preserving culture through traditional connections that the Pacific shares with the sea. Her mother was a great fisherwoman and she remembers paddling with her on an outrigger canoe just before the break of dawn – enjoying her company and learning to understand the language of the ocean. Yvonne is a mentor to youth, a community engagement leader, and a team player on scientific research projects, including on a recent expedition with Pristine Seas. She studied at Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment. Yvonne hopes more young people will find their way to ocean conservation and be like an ocean wave – glowing in the abyss and letting the current chart their paths.

The youngest of 6 children, Naomi grew up swimming in the Bismarck Sea with the incredible coral reefs of Kimbe Bay at her doorstep. Inspired by the ocean, she went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Papua New Guinea, and completed her SSI Scuba Diver Instructor qualification. Naomi empowers women in Papua New Guinea with the training, skills, and resources they need to set up marine reserves in their communities. As a team leader at Sea Women of Melanesia, she studies the health of the ocean and teaches others how to get involved in this critical mission, including on a recent expedition with Pristine Seas in Papua New Guinea.

Coral Pasisi is the Director of Climate Change and Sustainability at the Pacific Community. Born and raised in Niue, she experienced the ocean as a playground, a food pantry, a bank account and the fabric of her community. She lived through one of the largest recorded category five cyclones in history, which solidified for her that climate change was not just a theory, but a devastating fact of life. She studied Earth Science, Development Planning and International Environmental Management Systems and now empowers Pacific Island countries to enact climate change solutions. She encourages those interested in pursuing a career in climate action to begin by focusing on their own communities. She recommends connecting with like-minded individuals to raise awareness about the climate issues most urgent in their hometowns. Coral believes that climate change affects every facet of life, and the world needs people from all professions — teachers, doctors, activists, accountants, and scientists — willing to tackle global warming. Learn more about Coral's work in the documentary, Protecting Paradise: The Story of Niue.

Ann has shaped a generation of young environmental stewards through ocean protection, Indigenous knowledge, and science literacy during her time as Executive Director of the Ebiil Society. Combining modern science and traditional knowledge, Ann’s impact has engaged thousands of youth to be environmental stewards and conserve Palau’s natural resources. She believes that the ocean is magical and is a great teacher if you let it. Only then can you become one with the ocean and be able to see and experience amazing moments with the ocean. Some of Ann’s current projects include reforestation and marine restoration work, turtle and dugong monitoring, research and education programs for youth and young professionals, traditional navigation and expedition, and summer camps that teach indigenous knowledge about the environment, culture, and traditions. The best part of Ann’s job is seeing light in a child's eye when they experience natural phenomenons and wonders. She wants kids to know that they have the ability to become the best ocean conservationists with their natural caring capacity and to keep in mind that women are often the ones unafraid to stand up and defend the ocean when they know it affects children and people's lives, particularly those who are marginalized.