João was born on Terceira Island, in the Azores, developed a strong connection with the ocean from an early age. He earned a BSc in Nature and Heritage from the University of the Azores, completing study exchanges and internships in La Réunion and Martinique, where he focused on tropical marine biology and cetacean population dynamics. He later obtained an MSc in Marine Sciences from the University of Milano-Bicocca, specializing in marine ecology and conservation, and conducted his thesis research on cetaceans in the Maldives. With several years of experience in whale and dolphin watching across the Azores, the Caribbean, and the Maldives, João has worked as a tour guide and researcher, combining public engagement through tourism with data collection for scientific purposes. In addition, he is an experienced scuba diver and freediver, as well as a licensed boat skipper, which has further enhanced his ability to conduct fieldwork and lead marine excursions safely and effectively. Fluent in Portuguese (native speaker), English, Spanish, French, and Italian, he aims to make marine science accessible and to promote awareness of ocean conservation. Today, he works as a Program Manager.

Contact Info: 

Email: joaobernardo.barreiros@isea.com.gr

tel. +302313090696