Kori Garza And Pierrick Seybald Are Here For The Sharks

14/12/2020

The ⁣Ma’o Mana Foundation was founded in 2019 with one purpose in mind; to speak up and protect the sharks of French Polynesia. Kori Garza, a marine biologist, freediver and professional shark diver, teamed up with Pierrick Seybald, a local spearo from French Polynesia, with a lifetime of experience in those waters. Together, they hope to protect the waters and all the marine life who call it home.

"When I was three years old my father wanted to teach me how to swim by throwing me from the sailboat in the middle of the ocean... it was a good way to learn! The first time I saw sharks and whales was with my father. He loved to dive all day, every day, so I was always on his back everywhere and all the time. I was like maybe five years old when i saw my first whales and sharks, very young. I spend every day of my life in the ocean. When Kori arrived she showed me how she interacts with sharks, another way to have fun in the ocean and to observe animals. I really loved that".

"My name is Kori Garza, I'm a marine biologist and I specialize in sharks. Unlike Pierrick, I didn't grow up anywhere near the ocean, so, the ocean, once I finally got to it, somehow knew that's where I needed to be. Together (with Pierrick) we created Ma’o Mana Foundation. It's an organization where we hope to help protect the waters of French Polynesia and specifically sharks, one of the most misunderstood species. I think one really important thing about here being a shark sanctuary, is that we have the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the world on how to really manage and protect a species, that's not only important for the ecosystem, but also for the economy and the culture".

Corona, recently released a mesmerizing video documenting Kori's & Pierrick's work. Watch Kori kick her pink fluo Alchemy V3 carbon fins and
get to know the Ma’o Mana Foundation better.

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