Author: Dagmar Reinhard

The gifted photographer Andy Mann told us in an interview about his work and the importance of Visual Storytelling. Read about his passion and view his amazing pictures of the Pacific Ocean.

Ballena Tales: Hi Andy, you are a visual Storyteller and have told one South Pacific-related story through your photo exhibition at Innoceana´s new Marine Conservation and Education Center (MCEC). Please tell us a bit more about this experience.

Andy Mann: I've been focused on marine conservation in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean for many years now, starting in 2018 when I sailed from Galapagos to Cocos Island with a team of Marine scientists from Costa Rica. The goal has always been to study the interconnectivity between Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia, identify the wildlife migration corridors, and use that data to connect marine protected areas between the four countries. In 2021/2022, using the power of good storytelling in combination with correct scientific data, we were able to help create new marine parks and migration corridors in all these countries.

Ballena Tales: Please tell us how often have you visited Costa Rica?

Andy Mann: I first visited Costa Rica in 2013, and I proposed to my wife on the Whale's Tail beach during that trip. I started bringing my children here when they were first born in 2015. Last winter, we spent two months living in Uvita as I ramped up my time lobbying for marine protections within the country. I usually come 2-3 times a year. It's a community that is near and dear to my heart! 

Ballena Tales: What is so important about the South Pacific of Costa Rica?

Andy Mann: The Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean is a biodiversity hotspot. The abundance of marine wildlife here spills over and keeps the other nearby regions of the Pacific Ocean healthy. There are pupping grounds for Humpback Whales, Endangered Hammerheads, and many other keystone species. It's also one of the most heavily fished areas in the Pacific Ocean, so we are working to find a balance here that will keep this part of the world healthy and abundant for centuries to come. 

Ballena Tales:  What made you a fervent protector of the oceans and marine wildlife, supporting Innoceana´s Marine Conservation and Education Center (MCEC) and as well as "Unidos por los Tiburones"? 

Andy Mann: I started my career in photography and filmmaking 20 years ago in Colorado, documenting adventure and rock climbing. That path led me to work with National Geographic Magazine on their more extensive expeditions. Those assignments were documenting field biologists and the rapidly changing planet. I realized that conservation was the perfect mix of adventure and purpose for me. I need both things for my work to be its best. That journey has led me to visit and dive in all seven continents. I had the opportunity to present my work to millions of people worldwide. We urgently need more voices for our ocean. Now is the time to be a storyteller, now is the time to be a marine biologist, now is the time to get involved! 

Andy Mann: So, when I learned about MCEC in Ojochal, I stepped in to be part of it to help lift them up and support the work they are doing. I currently have a photo exhibition on display in the center for the next few months. 100% of sales go back toward Innoceana and their important work. 

"Unidos por los Tiburones (United for the Sharks)" is another organization that I support so much. When Carolina Ramirez started uniting the Costa Rican Organisations around shark conservation, it was ahead of its time. Having a single voice for sharks is essential for political change. She's good at that. And it is 100% led by Caro's passion for sharks, which shows. I recently finished filming a short documentary about Caro's work in Costa Rica. It will be out in April! 

Ballena Tales: Thank you very much, Andy. We hope to see you soon again in Costa Ballena!