By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Growing up in Mauritius, Prashant Mohesh was initially intimidated by the ocean’s depths. “In Mauritius, many people fear the ocean due to tales of sharks and deep-sea monsters—stories that once kept me from exploring,” he shares. However, a transformative diving experience in 2016 ignited a lifelong passion for marine life. “Encountering a humpback and sperm whale sparked a desire to explore and protect these magnificent creatures,” he explains.
Inspired by legendary explorers like Dr. Enric Sala, Sylvia Earle, and Jane Goodall, Prashant embarked on a journey to combine his passion for the ocean with his skills in storytelling. “I have a background in Graphic Design from Curtin University, and I was working in a corporate job, creating advertisements,” he recounts. “I felt called to do more, and I decided to step away from the office path, recognising there was an adventurous world out there filled with stories waiting to be told.”
With his camera in hand, Prashant set out to document the underwater wonders of Mauritius. His dedication and talent led him to the prestigious National Geographic Young Explorer Award, a recognition that has propelled his career to new heights. Through this honour, Prashant’s focus on ocean conservation, education, and awareness reached a broader global audience.
As a marine ecologist and experienced diver, Prashant has led groundbreaking expeditions, including the first Deep-Sea Exploratory Expedition in Mauritius. “Our deep-sea visual expedition unveiled thriving habitats between 300m and 1500m within Mauritius’ waters, an alien landscape revealing spiny dogfish sharks, shrimps, and eels, showcasing the richness of these depths,” he describes. These findings are crucial for understanding and protecting these fragile ecosystems. “Expanding our knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems will help inform conservation priorities, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable species in Mauritius’ deep-sea habitats,” he explains further.
Prashant’s passion for conservation extends beyond research and filmmaking. He has played a key role in developing youth-focused programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of marine stewards. “Through our summer camps, young divers gain hands-on experience in marine conservation,” he says. “They learn coral identification, restoration, and training for PADI Junior Open Water certification.” For many participants, these camps have sparked a deeper interest in marine biology, with some even pursuing studies in the field. “Many of the young people we’ve worked with leave inspired and motivated to make a real difference in preserving our oceans,” he adds.
In addition to the summer camps, Prashant has organised numerous beach cleanups across Mauritius, further encouraging youth participation in environmental causes. “Our beach cleanups are paired with creative art activities using collected trash, turning waste into art and raising environmental awareness,” he explains. These cleanups aim to reduce marine pollution while fostering a sense of community and activism. “These camps and cleanups foster a community of young ocean advocates actively working to protect Mauritius’ marine ecosystems,” Prashant notes. “We’re creating a movement of environmental consciousness that will hopefully extend to future generations.”
The ability to capture the magic of the ocean through filmmaking has been a major tool for Prashant in his efforts to raise awareness. “Underwater filmmaking presents unique challenges—low visibility, unpredictable marine life, and maintaining equipment at depth,” he admits. “Patience is key; I often spend hours or even days waiting for the right moment.” The unpredictable nature of the sea means that Prashant must always be adaptable. “Currents and conditions can change quickly, so you have to be prepared for anything. The best moments often come when you least expect them, so I make sure to be ready at all times.”
Prashant’s ability to overcome these challenges has not gone unnoticed. His work was recently showcased at a prestigious NatGeo Africa & Disney Spotlight event, marking a key milestone in his career. “Having my work showcased at the NatGeo Africa & Disney Spotlight event was immensely gratifying,” he reflects. “It validated my conservation storytelling efforts, and it connected me with other African explorers from diverse scientific backgrounds. This event opened doors to new collaborations, strengthening my credibility as a storyteller and expanding my reach within the conservation and filmmaking communities.”
In 2024, Prashant became the first fellow from Mauritius at the NEWF (National Emerging Wildlife Filmmakers) organisation. In this role, he serves as the Executive Producer of the short film Guardians of the Deep, which focuses on the resident sperm whales of Mauritius. “As Executive Producer for Guardians of the Deep, my goal is to share my journey from fearing the ocean to encountering my favourite sea creature, the sperm whale,” Prashant explains. “I want to highlight underrepresented marine stories from Mauritius and showcase local resilience in the face of conservation challenges.”
In the film, Prashant plans to explore the unique behaviours of the resident sperm whales in Mauritius, which play a critical role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem. “The resident sperm whales exhibit fascinating social structures and communication methods,” he says. “By showcasing their familial bonds and intricate vocalisations, I hope to highlight their ecological importance in the region and the need for their protection.” The sperm whales, along with other species, contribute to nutrient cycling in Mauritius’ waters, enriching the ecosystem and supporting biodiversity. “Their presence is a critical part of the ecosystem, and it’s vital that we protect them,” Prashant emphasises.
One of the most significant challenges facing marine conservation in Mauritius is the impact of tourism. “Tourism, when managed responsibly, can support conservation through awareness and funding,” Prashant acknowledges. However, he points out that unregulated tourism, particularly around sperm whales, can be harmful. “Unregulated tourism can disrupt the natural behaviour of the whales. To protect them, we need stricter guidelines and frequent monitoring of tourism activities,” he stresses. In particular, he advocates for limits on vessel proximity and visitor numbers, as well as improved training for operators. “Educating tourists on how to interact with marine life ethically is crucial to ensuring that we don’t compromise the well-being of the animals while still providing enriching experiences for visitors.”
Prashant points to the example set by Dominica, a small Caribbean Island nation that has established the world’s first sperm whale reserve. “Dominica has set an example of how regulated, educational whale encounters can support both conservation and sustainable tourism,” he says. “Mauritius has the potential to follow this example, creating a sperm whale reserve where tourists can interact with these majestic creatures in a way that prioritises their well-being.” Read about Dominica’s sperm whale reserve in National Geographic’s press release here.
In addition to protecting sperm whales, Prashant advocates for a stronger regulatory framework for marine tourism in Mauritius. “There is a need for stricter enforcement of current sperm whale interaction guidelines,” he explains. “A licensing system for operators, combined with mandatory training, could significantly improve compliance and whale protection. Collaboration among local authorities, conservation groups, and tour operators is essential to ensure that tourism and conservation efforts go hand in hand.”
Looking ahead, Prashant is optimistic about the next generation of ocean stewards. “Climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction are the most pressing issues facing marine conservation today,” he acknowledges. “However, I believe that the next generation has the tools and knowledge to tackle these challenges head-on.” Prashant emphasises the importance of empowering young people with education, advocacy, and opportunities for action. “Citizen science programs and environmental education can foster a proactive approach to ocean conservation,” he adds. “The next generation must be engaged and equipped to create innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability of our oceans.”
For young individuals aspiring to follow in Prashant’s footsteps, he offers this advice: “Stay curious and committed to what you love. Marine conservation and filmmaking require resilience and investment, but the rewards are worth it. Every dive and every story deepens your understanding of the ocean’s complexity.” He stresses the importance of gaining experience through volunteering, learning from mentors, and developing storytelling skills. “Most importantly, believe in the power of your voice and actions to make a difference for our oceans.”
As Prashant continues his journey as an explorer, conservationist, and storyteller, he remains driven by the belief that the ocean can be saved—if the next generation is willing to fight for it. Through his work, Prashant hopes to inspire not only a love for the ocean but also a sense of responsibility for its preservation. “The ocean is in trouble, but I believe that with the right education and action, we can turn things around,” he concludes. “The future of our oceans depends on us—and the time to act is now.”
