Our conservation programmes
Fight against plastic pollution
Did you know that 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year? The Exploi project (Expédition Plastique Océan Indien) has been set up to fight this scourge in the Indian Ocean. It involves research and sensitisation programmes aimed at both the public and environmental professionals.
Endangered sea turtles
Sea turtles are the emblem of our ocean!
These fantastic and prehistoric creatures are fond of our waters and come to our shores, lagoons and coral reefs for reproduction, shelter and food. Their presence is very important to keep a balance in our coastal marine ecosystems. Sadly, some of them are still poached and others are often found injured/wounded in our lagoons and on our shores, becoming easy preys. Helping to protect them through specific sensitisation and educational programmes is definitely one of our top priorities!
These fantastic and prehistoric creatures are fond of our waters and come to our shores, lagoons and coral reefs for reproduction, shelter and food. Their presence is very important to keep a balance in our coastal marine ecosystems. Sadly, some of them are still poached and others are often found injured/wounded in our lagoons and on our shores, becoming easy preys. Helping to protect them through specific sensitisation and educational programmes is definitely one of our top priorities!
Coral regeneration
It is not too late to save the coral reefs!
Coral reefs provide huge benefits to the wildlife, coastal ecosystems and our civilisation. They act as a nursery ground and shelter for marine organisms and are crucial to protect coastal beaches, cities and communities from the impact of storms, erosion and flooding.
A sad and undeniable truth: corals are in mortal danger. Indeed, who has not seen the enormous coral graveyards lying in our lagoons? In partnership with local institutions, Odysseo’s team intends to provide their expertise and knowledge to help stimulate coral reproduction and reintroduce them into the ocean.
Coral reefs provide huge benefits to the wildlife, coastal ecosystems and our civilisation. They act as a nursery ground and shelter for marine organisms and are crucial to protect coastal beaches, cities and communities from the impact of storms, erosion and flooding.
A sad and undeniable truth: corals are in mortal danger. Indeed, who has not seen the enormous coral graveyards lying in our lagoons? In partnership with local institutions, Odysseo’s team intends to provide their expertise and knowledge to help stimulate coral reproduction and reintroduce them into the ocean.
Our conservation team
Bernardo NascimentoCurator & Head Educator
Bernardo is a Marine Biologist, working in the field since 1996. In Portugal, he worked for almost 10 years as the Aquarium, Reptile and Bird Curator for Zoomarine, the country’s biggest marine park. He also helped design and manage the first Portuguese recovery centre for sea turtles. He was the Head Curator for Fakieh Aquarium in Saudi Arabia and SAASCC in Kuwait, and is part of the team that designed Odysseo. Bernardo loves to travel and has visited more than 50 aquariums around the world.
Javier Balcells EsponeraAssistant Head Curator
A biologist, Javier started his career in the public aquarium world in 2011 at Barcelona, in Spain. He oversaw the opening of three aquariums: Fakieh Aquarium in Saudi Arabia, SAASCC in Kuwait and Odysseo in Mauritius. Javier specialises in the reception and quarantine of marine animals.
Alberto Morales PadronSenior Aquarist
Alberto is an aquaculture senior technician and started in the public aquarium world in 2014 at Acuario of Gijon, in Spain. He worked at iMare (marine research centre) in Spain and Fakieh Aquarium in Saudi Arabia, and is part of the team opening Odysseo. Alberto has been involved in several invertebrate breeding programmes and one of his expertise is jellyfish.
Nicolas DubarSenior Aquarist
Nicolas has a master in Coastal Management. He worked in Fakieh Aquarium in Saudi Arabia, Atlantis the Palm in Dubai, Aquatis Aquarium in Switzerland, Biodiversarium in France and is part of the team opening Odysseo. Nicolas is passionate about breeding programmes and seahorses.
Shakti TekerAssistant Head of Education
Shakti Teker was born and raised in Mauritius. She went to university in France and has a Master's degree in Integrated Coastal Zone Management. She has worked several years in marine conservation in Mauritius and believes that education is the perfect way of putting her experience and knowledge to use. By combining her proficiency in this area with her artistic vein and good people skills, she shares her passion with the Mauritian community.
Shakti also has a soft spot for and extensive training in sea turtle conservation.