Where Ocean Hero Club Was Born

Ten years ago, as fresh-faced young marine scientists, we packed our tiny backpacks and set off on the adventure of a lifetime: a four-month ocean conservation expedition to one of the most magical and biodiverse places on Earth — Madagascar (or Mada as we call it).

Famed for its exceptional biodiversity, over 90% of which is found nowhere else on the planet, Madagascar is a global hotspot for conservation — both on land and beneath the waves. Its oceans brim with life: from vibrant coral reefs and vast seagrass meadows to endangered sea turtles, dugongs, and reef sharks — a living mosaic of ecosystems unlike any other.

Fresh from completing our master’s degrees in marine science, and just a year into professional roles across the private and public sectors, we were fuelled by curiosity and a deep desire to grow our field experience. So, we joined a daring and vital mission — to help protect Madagascar’s extraordinary marine ecosystems: coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, sea turtles, sharks, and even dugongs — through hands-on science and community engagement.

An Island of Wonder — and Taboos

Before arriving, we underwent detailed preparation: logistics for remote travel, health and safety briefings, cultural immersion sessions — and even guidance on local taboos. Madagascar is rich in fady (sacred prohibitions) — from needing permission to visit sacred waterways on boats, to serious social stigmas surrounding twins in some villages. Yes — our local conservation organisation had to check that we would be safe, as some communities still hold ancient beliefs that forbid the presence of twins.

And yet, these cultural complexities didn’t dampen our excitement. In fact, they added to the mystique of a country overflowing with rich traditions and ecological marvels.

A Wild, Wonderful Expedition

After a long journey, we reached the stunning north of Madagascar — Sahamalaza Marine Park and the remote island of Nosy Valiha, where crystal waters met mangrove forests and coral reefs danced below the surface. We joined a team of passionate ocean lovers with one goal: to support the protection and co-management of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), working hand-in-hand with local communities.

Our days were long and full of purpose:

Our days were long and full of purpose, each moment dedicated to understanding and protecting the ocean’s delicate ecosystems. We spent hours snorkeling over vibrant, fragile reefs during Reef Check Surveys, meticulously identifying coral species, tracking signs of bleaching, and observing the diverse fish life dancing beneath the waves. In the estuaries, wading through thick mangroves for our Mangrove Watch, we measured tree health, identified different root types, and watched cheeky crabs scuttle past us with mischief in their eyes.

Gliding above expansive seagrass meadows during Seagrass Mapping, we observed green turtles grazing peacefully nearby, their serenity inspiring us. On remote beaches under a scorching sun, we conducted Turtle Nest Surveys, hiking along rugged shores to track nesting turtles and safeguard their vulnerable hatchlings. Our work with sharks and dugongs involved interviewing fishers and collecting vital data on illegal trade, all while scanning the horizon for the elusive dugongs that drift through the waters. We also collaborated with local communities during MPA Management Training, helping to develop conservation plans and train new ocean rangers committed to protecting their marine environment. Additionally, we co-created a marine conservation curriculum with the University of Antsiranana, aiming to inspire a new generation of Malagasy ocean heroes who will carry the torch of stewardship into the future.

No WiFi. No Electricity. Just Magic.

We lived in tents and simple island huts with no signal and no electricity. Our showers were the sea. Our kitchens were fires. Yet, the real magic was in the people and the place:

• The kindness of local communities who welcomed us with open arms.

• The laughter of children who played with coconuts and sticks, creating entire worlds with nothing but joy.

• The scent of spiced Malagasy meals carried on the ocean breeze.

• Nights illuminated by twinkling fireflies and the distant song of humpback whales.

Some days we snorkelled offshore in shark hotspots, hearts pounding, holding hands for courage — reminding ourselves: this is why we came. Other days, we climbed steep hills or crossed forests to find secret beaches where turtles would nest under the stars.

Our most unforgettable moments weave a tapestry of wonder and connection from around the world. Watching humpback whales breach at sunset after long ten-hour field days, our hair still salty and our spirits soaring, reminded us of the breathtaking beauty and power of the ocean. Under firefly-lit skies, sharing local songs and dances with strangers-turned-family created a sense of unity and cultural exchange that lingered in our hearts. The haunting, unexpected calls of whales underwater during a snorkel adventure humbled us with their raw, soulful songs that seemed to echo the depths of the ocean’s mysteries.

Dolphins leaping joyfully around our boat as we approached turtle nesting beaches dotted with ghost crabs brought a playful energy to our journey. On the sandy shores, children’s laughter echoed, serving as a poignant reminder of what we were working to protect—the innocence and vitality of these fragile ecosystems.

One of the most magical discoveries was stumbling upon blue star sapphires, glittering under the sun like pieces of starlight buried in earth—a rare treasure found almost exclusively in Madagascar, said to hold both the mysteries of the cosmos and the spirit of the island. Alongside these natural marvels, we marveled at lemurs leaping through the trees and tiny chameleons hiding in the underbrush, including what is thought to be the world’s tiniest chameleon, a testament to nature’s astounding diversity and resilience.

We brought with us only the essentials: a couple of T-shirts, a notebook, our snorkel kits, one charger, and enough sunscreen to last the trip. We had no luxuries, but we had the wild, the beautiful, the purpose. What we found was worth infinitely more: purpose, wonder, and a deep connection to people and planet.

Where It All Began

One magical night, sitting on the beach, singing and playing with the local children under a sky splashed with stars, we looked at each other and knew: this is what we are meant to do.

To protect this ocean. To honour these people. To fight for the next generation.

That night, the idea was born — not yet by name, but by heart: Ocean Hero Club. A mission to raise up children around the world to become protectors of our ocean — inspired by the young heroes we met in Madagascar, who showed us what love for the ocean looks like.

As the legendary Jacques Cousteau once said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” It did. It still does.

10 Years Later… Madagascar gave us the magic. Now we pass it on. 

Today, Ocean Hero Club is the spark that was lit on those Malagasy shores — built to empower children to explore, protect, and love our blue planet, just as we did. Our mission now reaches across the globe, but its roots remain deep in Madagascar’s mangroves, coral reefs, and the wide, wonderful smiles of the people who first showed us the way.

To the children who played on the beach with sticks and dreams — we made a promise.
And we’re keeping it.
Explore. Protect. Become an Ocean Hero.

With ocean love always, Dr. Ali Sky & Dr. Fiona Ocean

Co-Founders, Ocean Hero Club