At Under the Wave, we are proud of our diverse team, including local marine biologists from Zanzibar and passionate interns. We work closely with the Matemwe community, employing locals to help run our projects. With seven dedicated staff members and strong partnerships like Living Ocean, we are committed to restoring Zanzibar’s marine environment and inspiring others to protect our oceans.
Yong-Mi
With 14 years in Zanzibar and as the founder of Scubafish dive center in Matemwe, she witnessed the reef's decline, & sea turtle population.
To restore them, she established Under The Wave in 2021.
Now in Europe, Yong Mi remains a significant contributor to Under The Wave, representing us in France and The Netherlands.
Yong-Mi Janse
Casper
Meet Casper, a half-Dutch, half-Danish conservationist with a truly global background. Growing up in South Africa, Kenya, Vietnam, and Mozambique, he developed a deep passion for the natural world and marine ecosystems.
After becoming a certified SCUBA instructor, Casper taught diving in Indonesia and Thailand. He later earned a master’s degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town, seeking to blend his love for the ocean with meaningful conservation efforts.
Casper will join our team in December to focus on making a meaningful contribution not just to Under The Wave, but also to the communities and conservation status of Zanzibar’s marine ecosystem.
Casper Morsh
Sara
Meet Sara, our Project Manager with an adventurous spirit and a deep passion for conservation. Originally from Italy, Sara moved abroad in 2016 to follow her dream of working in biodiversity conservation and community outreach, traveling extensively across Africa since then.
Sara thrives on the social side of conservation, particularly when it involves working with local communities. Whether it's collaborating with fishermen, Maasai, or village women, Sara brings her dedication and problem-solving skills to the forefront. A certified dive master and mountain climbing supervisor, she has a love for both land and sea adventures.
With her strong focus on community engagement and wildlife conservation, Sara is deeply committed to making a lasting impact on the people and environments she works with, ensuring that both thrive together.
Sara Agostini
Shadrak
Meet Shadrak, our local marine biologist with a Bachelor's degree in Marine Science from the University of Dar es Salaam. Having studied here on the island, he channels his passion for marine life into every project he leads.
He plays a key role in our education program, teaching marine science in local schools, and has recently developed a love for diving. Shadrak is involved in several key initiatives, including coral reef monitoring, marine education, coastal pollution studies, dolphin behavior research, and seagrass mapping.
Shadrak Liston Taun
Othman
Meet Othman, who will likely be the first to welcome you when you visit our office. As our dedicated Facility Manager, he brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience, with a Bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthropology and Tourism from the University of Iringa.
He oversees logistics for all Under The Wave projects, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish. From organizing weekly activities to managing inventory, Othman plays a key role in keeping operations efficient and aligned.
With his background in cultural anthropology, Othman connects easily with diverse communities, enhancing both the success of our projects and the cultural sensitivity of our work environment.
Othman Omar
Makame
Makame, born and raised in Matemwe, serves as a vital link between the local communities and Under the Wave’s conservation efforts. His deep roots in the area give him a unique ability to connect with the villages and engage people in meaningful ways. After completing his education at Hurumzi Secondary School, he pursued various professional courses and spent over a decade teaching at Tamani Foundation School.
In 2023, Makame joined Under the Wave as a Community Officer, where he bridges the gap between the organization's projects and the local population. He helps with sea cucumber farming, organizes community meetings, conducts patrols, and educates children about the marine ecosystem. As a local, his insight and commitment are key to ensuring that Under the Wave’s initiatives resonate with the community, fostering lasting change.
Makame Bakar Haji
Interns
Meet our incredible interns, a group that changes every few months but always plays a vital role in our work at Under The Wave. Joining us for 3 to 6 months, each intern becomes an integral part of the team, bringing fresh energy and unique contributions to our mission.
Whether they come as part of their university studies or through personal interest, every intern works on a highly specific project aligned with our goals.
From conducting scientific research to advancing sustainable practices and empowering local communities, their work continually drives us forward in protecting and conserving Zanzibar’s marine life.