WHO WE ARE

Norwegian Ideell Organisasjon (Non-Profit)

Marine Mind is a non-profit organization headquartered in Norway. We are on a mission to enhance our collective relationship with the ocean and its marine inhabitants. With a current primary focus on protecting Hvaldimir, the beluga commonly referred to as the “Russian Spy Whale,” we are determined to learn and teach more about the incredible wonders of marine species and their significance to our planet.

Research & Education

Through a comprehensive approach that encompasses scientific research, advocacy, and public awareness initiatives, our nonprofit dedicates itself to advocating for the protection of our oceans and the well-being of marine life. Our multifaceted approach involves establishing partnerships with local communities and governing agencies, educational institutions, the scientific community, policy makers and nonprofit organizations. 

Ocean Advocates

Equipped with a broad global network and a hands-on approach rooted in action, ethical principles and transparency, we aspire to fulfill an important role in preserving the fragile equilibrium of our marine ecosystems. We strive to create a diverse community and a sense of place, for the enjoyment and appreciation of current and future generations.

Meet Our Team!

  • Sebastian Strand

    FOUNDER & CEO

  • Åge Wee

    OCEAN CLEANUP SPECIALIST

  • Courtney Vail

    POLICY ADVISOR

  • Dr. Diana Reiss

    SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

  • Ida Marie Fossmark

    LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

  • Dr. Ingrid Visser

    SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

  • Laurie Gage

    SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

  • Natalie Barefoot

    LEGAL ADVISOR

  • Steve McCulloch

    SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

  • Tuva Saltermark

    ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISOR

  • FOUNDER & CEO

    Norwegian Marine biologist responsible for the day-to-day operations of Marine Mind. Sebastian speaks at marine conservation conferences, public schools and has been working full time on-site with Hvaldimir since 2021.

  • OCEAN CLEANUP SPECIALIST 

    Åge sits on the Board of Marine Mind and has arranged  marine cleanups for 13 years, bringing extensive experience in carrying out operations to reduce waste and campaign for sustainability. He is the founder of the Norwegian Clean Ocean Organization and is a key figure in our educational work with schools.

  • POLICY ADVISOR

    Courtney is a policy professional who has worked within the conservation and animal welfare field for over 30 years. With a background in biology and environmental policy, she provides leadership for diverse domestic and international policy initiatives related to the protection of biodiversity and the marine environment.

  • SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

    Dr. Reiss is a professor of psychology at Hunter College and in the graduate program of Animal Behavior and Comparative Psychology at the City University of New York. Dr. Reiss’s research has focused on understanding cognition and communication in dolphins and other cetaceans.

  • LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

    Ida is the on-site logistics coordinator and has assisted with the care of Hvaldimir since 2021. She regularly works with aquaculture workers, government officials and the public with a focus on education and beneficial interventions.

  • SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

    Dr. Visser is a scientist who has worked with a range of cetacean species around the world, including orca and beluga. She has extensive experience with rescuing cetaceans and documenting welfare issues for captive cetaceans. She is based in New Zealand while routinely traveling to Norway to observe Hvaldimir on-site. 

  • SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

    Laurie is a Big Cats and Marine Mammals Field Specialist for USDA Animal Care since 2004. She also assists the National Marine Fisheries Service with the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Network Program, is a lecturer at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network.

  • LEGAL ADVISOR

    Natalie tackles international ocean issues with the belief that legal protections should be earth-oriented, community-inspired, and respect all living beings. By focusing legal strategies through the lens of wildlife, in particular keystone species such as sharks and cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), Natalie advances protections for wildlife and their ocean habitats.

  • SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR

    Steve is an internationally recognized marine mammal health and welfare specialist with more than five decades of experience and service to the zoological, research and conservation communities.

  • ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISOR

    Tuva has a background in environmental philosophy, political ecology and arts, and has worked as a communicator giving lectures on climate change and biodiversity issues. She is strongly committed to working for socially just and locally attuned solutions in the face of environmental and ecological challenges.