Paulo de Melo – Captain, Founder, Co-Director and Chief Operation
For many years Paulo has been committed to protect the ocean and marine wildlife. He is a conservationist, explorer and ocean advocate with a background in engineering and environment, and photography. Besides being captain and director of Sea Colors Expeditions, he is the GA President of Surfrider Foundation Portugal and Chairman of the NGO Surfrider Foundation Europe in the Azores, where he also has been coordinating several campaigns to protect the oceans, waves and natural heritage.
Paulo had the luck to be born in the Azores where he early got connected to the sea by sailing and surfing. He studied and worked in Lisbon and afterward, by living abroad for a period in his life, he realized that the Azores were the seascape where he would live in. Back to the islands he founded Sea Colors Expeditions in order to study, protect and share the oceanic marine environment. He is trained and experienced in sailing since young age and you can find him on the command of the sailing vessels, “Embrace”, “Tanai” and the RIB “Sea Colors”.
Working in the field in addition to being Sailing and surfing various seascapes has given him the realm of our delicate ocean and the need to raise awareness and protect it against an increasing number of threats.
His natural sensibility and patience, while searching the ocean, or approaching wildlife, together with his experience, gives him the know-how to steer the expeditions in a mature, calm and responsible manner, concerning sea conditions, wildlife and all people involved. He’s always seeking to give people the best experience at the sea, making sure everyone is informed and safe.
Jasmine Zereba – Marine Biology Head Researcher, Partner and Co-Director
Swedish and also with English nationality, Jasmine holds an MSc in Marine Biology and have decided to do her scientific research work in the Azores, a mid-Atlantic hot spot for cetaceans. She started her research on cetaceans in the central group of the islands and later in S. Miguel island.
Jasmine became partner and co-director in Sea Colors Expeditions, where she leads different research projects with special focus on the Sperm whales, with more than 20 year of experience studying this species.
To become a marine biology researcher was a choice out of passion, she found the blue world absolutely intriguing and she is far too curious to let things stop there. To be able to share this passion with other like minded people and work towards the conservation of the beautiful marine environment simply make so much sense to her.
Jasmine is in charge of research and education in Sea Colors. She leads the research projects and onboard keeps the group informed about encountered wildlife and ongoing work. She is attentive, caring and a skilled free diver that leads you when conducting in-water encounters for observation and data collection.
Clara Sardà – Marine Biology Researcher
After Clara’s studies in Barcelona, where she was born, she continued her academic practice in Canary archipelago, at Tenerife island. Following this period she worked in the Azores, for MONICET, a platform for conservation of cetaceans in the University of the Azores, in partnership with Sea Colors Expeditions. When finishing her collaboration with MONICET, Clara didn’t hesitate when she was invited to join full time Sea Colors Expeditions. She embraced the cause and she is glad and fulfilled contributing to investigate and protect the ocean and wildlife.
Clara’s passion for the marine environment began in early childhood and later developed through active participation in water sports, including windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and traditional whaling boat racing.
Clara joined Sea Colors as a marine biologist conducting field research at sea, collecting scientific data, doing photo-identification of cetaceans and education. Known for her calm and thoughtful approach, she provides enriching and enjoyable journeys at the sea, sharing her knowledge with participants while discovering every day more about marine wildlife.
I addition to her field work, you can also find her performing our lectures and briefings, preparing participants for our expeditions and increasing awareness of marine conservation.
Beatriu Tort – Marine Biology Researcher
Beatriu is from Barcelona and holds a master in Statistics and Operational Research and another master in Oceanography and Marine Environmental Management and is performing the first year of her PhD regarding the study of Fin whales. She is working as a researcher in Sea Colors and on the Fin Whale Project from EDMAKTUB, obtaining data for photo ID, behaviour, morphometrics, boat reaction and body health assessments. She has also been in charge of the data analysis focused on oceanography conditions, modelling and ship strikes.
Beti is hard worker strongly committed to the study, protection and conservation of marine wildlife. As a biologist, you can also find her performing our lectures and briefings, in preparation for our expeditions.
Aitor Riera – Marine Biologist Researcher, Coastal Survey
Aitor is from Barcelona where he obtained his degree in marine biology. Closely connected to the sea from an early age, he began snorkeling as a child and later obtained formal diving training, becoming an Advanced Open Water diver. These experiences have supported his ongoing interest in marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
He gained experience working in several whale watching companies, where he developed expertise in cetacean observation and interpretation. He also worked as an environmental educator at CosmoCaixa Museum of Science of Barcelona and at Fundació Pere Tarrés, actively engaging in science communication, public outreach, and environmental education.
Aitor joined Sea Colors Expeditions in 2023, supporting our cetacean expeditions, and over time, his role has evolved into leading the coastal snorkel expeditions conducted under our Coastal Habitat Survey program, which aims to monitor and document the underwater biodiversity found the coastal areas of São Miguel Island. He is an experienced lecturer, delivering educational talks and presentations that are highly appreciated by our guests, for their clarity, enthusiasm and scientific rigor.
Bernhard Hofer – IT Science and Photographer
Born in Austria, Bernhard works in Sea Colors Expeditions as a Computer Information Researcher. With a strong background in technology and research, he plays an important role in supporting and advancing our scientific work. He is passionate about photography and marine wildlife, having traveled all over the world in search of cetaceans and other marine species. Bernhard joined Sea Colors Expeditions team in 2013 and since then has been contributing to our scientific projects, helping design and develop different applications and models.
As a skilled photographer, Bernhard contributes capturing memorable moments during our expeditions, whether in water or on the surface alongside marine mammals. He approaches every photographic opportunity with dedication, passion and professionalism, documenting unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Silvia Hofer – Deck Officer and Lookout
Silvia, born in Vienna and educated in management, has been a valued member of Sea Colors Expeditions, since 2012. She has been all over the world observing cetaceans and brings extensive global experience in cetacean observation to every expedition. Her calm and focused approach combined with her exceptional sharp eyes, makes her an outstanding onboard lookout, ensuring that no sighting goes unnoticed. She also helps capturing filming footage of marine life, making sure all the outstanding moments are captured.
Beside all that, Silvia is skilled sailor and reliable deck mate, she combines professionalism with teamwork, creating a safe and efficient environment for both crew and participants. Her background in management complements her expertise, making her a capable leader and organizer who keeps influencing our operation.
Her dedication, experience, and steady presence make her an indispensable part of the Sea Colors Expeditions team, sharing her passion for marine life while mentoring others and ensuring that each journey is informative and memorable.
Astrid de Melo – Sailor, Skipper and Coastal Survey Guide
Born into a life shaped by the ocean, Astrid is Swedish by nationality and the daughter of the founders of the organization. Raised on board sailing boats, she grew up at sea, developing a deep, instinctive connection with the marine environment from the very beginning of her life.
Surrounded by ocean life throughout her childhood and time spent on the water and alongside marine mammals naturally shaped her to became involved in her parents’ environmental and conservation campaigns and expeditions, always participating actively and embracing the values of respect, protection, and coexistence with nature. Deeply committed to environmental, Astrid brings genuine passion, kindness and an intuitive understanding of marine life to the team.
Astrid is an officially licensed sailor, she began her sailing journey competing in Olympic-class sailing boats, gaining discipline, technical skills, and a strong sense of responsibility at sea, growing her reliability as a deck hand or as a skipper, in the high sea or on our Coastal habitat Survey expeditions.
Beyond sailing, she is also a surfer, freediver, and dancer, passions she has cultivated since childhood, each reflecting her deep physical and emotional connection to movement, water, and freedom.
Ilse Vangeel – Veterinarian and Educator
Ilse is from Belgian and a veterinarian with over 13 years of experience running her own practice. She is specialized in chiropractic animal care, with a strong focus in comparative anatomy and expertise in biomechanics across species, well known for having developed custom health-focused saddles fittings for horses.
Her professional focus naturally evolved toward marine mammals, driven by a deep interest in their evolutionary transition from terrestrial to aquatic life. Ilse has developed a strong understanding of marine mammal functional anatomy and adaptation, bringing a unique comparative perspective to our scientific work.
Ilse is always ready to help you with any questions, playing a key role in our educational programs. She is involved in our Sea Turtle Project, while also serving as a veterinarian and responsible for our protocol for care and rehabilitation of marine mammals and turtles, combining her scientific knowledge and veterinary expertise with her strong commitment to the protection and conservation of the marine life.
Louis Jamet – Costumer and Communication
Originally from the southwest of France, Louis is currently completing his final year of business studies on the Basque coast. He contributes to Sea Colors Expeditions with a focus on the costumer and communication, bringing his skills to help connect costumers with our mission.
Passionate about the ocean and its ecosystem from a young age, Louis is also a competitor surfer, having reached already the title of vice champion of long board in France. Whether you meet him at our headquarters or onboard our vessels during an expedition, Louis is always happy to answer questions and help you make the most of your experience. And if you explore the island’s north coast on a day off, you might just spot him out surfing.
Agung Sastrawan – Lookout
As a crucial member of our team, Agung plays a very important role in our operation, finding animals, understanding behaviors and contributing for our research work. Agung is a dedicated lookout from Java, with a background deeply rooted in the coastal culture of Indonesia and its biodiversity, bringing valuable knowledge of marine life and keen sense of observation. His connection since early age with the ocean and its creatures fuels a passion for our mission, driving him to contribute with full dedication.
