THE SHELLTONE TEAM
Discover all the passionate people who work for our organization!
OUR EXPERTS
Pierre Lavagne de Castellan
Marine bioacoustician - Ethologist - Shelltone Whale Project Research Director
He met his first humpback whale and listened to its song in Hawaii in 1981. Since then, he has sought to establish contact and initiate inter-species communication with humpback whales, and music soon became an obvious avenue.
He created the non-profit organization Shelltone Whale Project, under the French law of 1901, and obtained public interest recognition for his research in underwater acoustics and his environmental actions in the marine environment.
Over a period of two years, at the acoustic research laboratory of the Ecole Centrale de Nantes and Stanford University in California, he developed a wind instrument that enabled him to play music underwater in the same range as humpback whales.
From 2008 to 2012, he tested this instrument between northern California and the Hawaiian archipelago, with humpback whales. The first musical exchanges between man and cetaceans, underwater, were born of these experiences, and since then he has continued his personal research into communication with large cetaceans.
Lisa Denning
For her, the ocean is home, and she really enjoys putting others in touch with her friends, the dolphins and whales. They call us into the water to be with them, to learn from them and to move towards our greatest joy.
To find out more or get in touch with Lisa, visit her website!
Pierre Robert De Latour
Pierre Robert de Latour, founder of USEA and president of the association Orques Sans Frontières.
He is known worldwide as «The Orca Whisperer». Author of the best-selling Brother of the orcas (Glénat Édition), he has logged over 7,500 dives with free killer whales, becoming an international reference on their behavior. The first man to dive with killer whales in Arctic waters in a light wetsuit, Pierre has acquired unique expertise on killer whales and 15 other marine mammal species since his first expedition in 1998.
Committed to respecting marine wildlife, he has developed responsible methodologies for safe encounters with cetaceans, used by divers and skippers worldwide. Pierre is also the director of Journey to Orca country and co-producer of The Orc People alongside Captain Paul Watson. His commitment to conservation and awareness-raising has made him a leading figure in marine mammal protection.
Lori Piano
Lori is a guide for cetacean-watching expeditions., She grew up surrounded by animals, and this natural connection with them led her to make it her vocation: first as a top-level horsewoman, then as a wild animal carer, her encounter with free-living cetaceans was a revelation, particularly in terms of sound. She travelled the world for 10 years to study, understand and protect them.
For her, it's urgent to reconnect with the primordial harmony between man, nature and animals. She trained as a sports educator specializing in aquatic activities, swimming and relaxation.
In 2018, she created «Breathe & Rebreathe Diving» an eco responsible diving and whale whatching center, which is becoming a Shelltone Whale Project reference, aboard her sailboat Cétacéa dedicated to the protection of Mediterranean cetaceans, participatory research and marine bioacoustics.
René Heuzey's strong commitment to the environment led him to ask her to become an ambassador for «Un Océan de Vie» in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
All year round, she offers naturalist outings off the coast of Beaulieu-sur-mer to meet these majestic yet vulnerable creatures.
His website: www.harmonisation-animal.fr
Dominic Dallaire
Emergency doctor - Professional underwater cetacean photographer.
Born and raised in Saguenay, Quebec, Dominic spent his youth at Cap Bon Désir, watching whales in the St. Lawrence River and dreaming of being able to swim with them. In 2014, his dream came true when he swam with Sri Lanka's majestic blue whales for the first time.
Using his talents as a photographer, he immortalizes through his lens the special moments he spends with these giants of the seas, so beloved around the world.
Through his photos, he aims to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting marine mammals and their habitats around the world.
His knowledge of the gentle approach to cetaceans makes him an excellent expert for the Shelltone team.
Sound Instagram
Cathy Lacourbas
Cathy, a.k.a. «Ocean Shieldmaiden», has been committed to protecting the oceans since childhood.
Founder of the association Breach Antilles in 2015, it works to raise awareness of cetacean conservation among disadvantaged young people and supports scientific research in bio-acoustics and ethology.
Collaborating with experts such as Dr Nadège Gandilhon and Pr Hervé Glotin, she has co-authored studies on humpback whale songs in the Caribbean. A seasoned sailor, Cathy guides and dives with orcas in Norway for ORCA NORWAY and USEA, and shares her passion thanks to her freediving instructor's certificate obtained in 2023.
In 2024, his son Robin took up the torch with «Du Fleuve», an eco-responsible whale watching base in Quebec, combining passion, hydrophones and the sharing of observations with research institutes. Together, they embody a family commitment to protecting marine mammals and their environment.
Norin Chai
Wildlife veterinarian
His career began in Africa, where he managed a national park. After 25 years of working with wildlife, whether in zoos or care centers, he still has the same passion: to care for, or at least relieve, animal suffering. He met Pierre in 2016. When he tells him that, for him, whale songs are like mantras or the «Om» of Buddhist monks, his words interest him. Whale songs go beyond communication: they heal, they sublimate, they cleanse. Pierre understands this, and his words touch him deeply.
Léa Lavagne de Castellan
Member of the Guadeloupe research team
Léa has developed a deep understanding of cetaceans, based on trust and respect, over many years in Guadeloupe's waters.
A complicity has developed between her and the different species we study, particularly with the sperm whales she calls her «Gwo Pwasons» ...
She is capable of analyzing the behavior of the different species that inhabit the waters of the Agoa sanctuary, the French marine protected area where we work, and knows how to observe or interact with them without intrusion, with the utmost respect.
Léa is a qualified Agoa sanctuary guide, and has worked as a naturalist guide in the sanctuary. She is particularly sensitive to respectful approaches to cetaceans, both during scientific missions and during cetacean-watching outings organized for tourist groups, so her expertise is very important to our environmental organization.
THE TEAM
Manon J.B.
Community Manager
Manon joined Shelltone Whale Project, guided by her fascination for large cetaceans. Having grown up near the waters of Brittany, she developed a strong bond with nature and marine ecosystems from an early age. This closeness to the sea has nurtured her passion for preserving marine fauna and habitats.
As Community Manager, Manon is the voice and image of the project. She carefully manages the content of our social networks, sharing captivating stories and inspiring images. Thanks to her work, she encourages a wide public to discover the wonders of the sea through eco-responsible outings in harmony with nature.
Her dedication makes her an essential pillar of Shelltone Whale Project's mission: to protect cetaceans and promote a respectful relationship with the marine environment.
André Maszewski
Webmaster
The meeting between André and Pierre took place during a sailing trip in Guadeloupe, a key moment that sealed a lasting friendship and collaboration. Since that day, André has never ceased to support Pierre in the development of his projects, driven by a deep admiration for his vision and commitment. With his technical expertise and passion for innovation, André has become a key player in Shelltone Whale Project.
He is dedicated to the technical management of the website and other tools needed to develop the Shelltone Whale Project. His unwavering commitment and willingness to accompany Pierre on this adventure reflect his attachment to the project and its values.
Aurélie M.
Content Manager / Web design
Aurélie plays a key role in showcasing the project by managing the content to be presented on the website and designing striking visuals. Thanks to her computer graphics skills, she creates harmonious layouts and visuals that reflect the soul of the project, while capturing the attention of those wishing to get involved in an eco-responsible approach.
Her sensitivity to the marine environment and her expertise in visual communication make her an essential part of the team, contributing to Shelltone Whale Project's mission to raise awareness and preserve cetaceans.
