our story
The Watermen project began with a desire to protect our oceans, but the enormity of the challenge became clear. They shifted their approach and began telling stories to educate people about ocean conservation. They became full-fledged storytellers through thousands of hours of collecting photos and filming expeditions. Today, the Watermen project inspires action and educates people worldwide about the importance of protecting our oceans.
our mission
We are a group of passionate volunteers who inspire and motivate people of all ages to preserve and protect the ocean’s wonders through compelling stories and educational programs. They measure their success by the impact on young people and children, empowering them with real-life tools to make a difference. Together, they form a community dedicated to conservation and making a real difference in the world.
William Winram
Team member (2012 – current)
Welcome to the world of William Winram, an ocean explorer and storyteller who has dedicated his life to inspiring future generations to protect and respect our oceans.
As an IuCN oceans Ambassador, Fellow International of the Explorers Club, and founder of the Watermen project, William has made it his mission to promote ocean conservation. He uses his skills as an accomplished photographer and filmmaker to capture the beauty of the underwater world and share his stories with the world.
For more than four decades, William has been exploring the ocean’s depths on a single breath of air. He travels the world for exploration and conservation-related projects, events, conferences, and expeditions
organized for the Watermen project. William’s expertise isn’t limited to ocean exploration. He also talks and teaches on topics ranging from risk and stress management to optimized breathing and breath- hold diving.
His work has been featured in the IMAX film Great White Shark 3D, as well as on National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, ABC Nightline, Arte, and in publications such as Maxim, the LA Times, and The Age. Through his passion and dedication, William Winram inspires us all to appreciate and protect the ocean’s wonders.
William Winram
Team member (2012 – current)
Welcome to the world of William Winram, an ocean explorer and storyteller who has dedicated his life to inspiring future generations to protect and respect our oceans.
As an IuCN oceans Ambassador, Fellow International of the Explorers Club, and founder of the Watermen project, William has made it his mission to promote ocean conservation. He uses his skills as an accomplished photographer and filmmaker to capture the beauty of the underwater world and share his stories with the world.
For more than four decades, William has been exploring the ocean’s depths on a single breath of air. He travels the world for exploration and conservation-related projects, events, conferences, and expeditions
organized for the Watermen project. William’s expertise isn’t limited to ocean exploration. He also talks and teaches on topics ranging from risk and stress management to optimized breathing and breath- hold diving.
His work has been featured in the IMAX film Great White Shark 3D, as well as on National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, ABC Nightline, Arte, and in publications such as Maxim, the LA Times, and The Age. Through his passion and dedication, William Winram inspires us all to appreciate and protect the ocean’s wonders.
Michèle Monico
Team member (2012 – current)
Welcome to the world of Michèle, a woman whose love for nature and the underwater world has fueled her passion for conservation. Despite a traumatic incident during a swimming lesson at the age of four, Michèle discovered a love for breath-hold diving through the movie Le Grand Bleu. It sparked
curiosity and a desire to connect with the underwater world that had always eluded her. After visiting the Big Island of Hawaii in 2002, Michèle felt a calling to face her fears and embark on a journey of self-discovery. She started by learning how to swim and became an avid freediver. Though she was a judge for the AIDA Intl freediving competition for several years, Michèle’s true passion lies in recreational freediving as a way to connect with the underwater world.
As a founding partner, Michèle brings her impeccable vision for management and project development to the forefront of her work. She uses her background in biology, with a BSc (’97 Hon) from the University of Waterloo, Canada, to add a unique perspective to her conservation work.
Michèle’s passion for conservation extends beyond her love for the underwater world. She strongly advocates for human health and environmental conservation, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire action. Through her fundraising and expedition organizing efforts, Michèle supports scientific research and documentary filming to highlight the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Her unwavering commitment to
conservation and dedication to education inspires us all to protect and cherish the wonders of our planet.
rodolfo robatti
Team member (2012 – current)
rodolfo was born in geneva switzerland but has roots as ancient as modern civilization itself. he comes from a genealogy tracing back to the earliest of western sea farmers of parthenope, later named neopolis and in our time known as napoli. It is this very lineage that has shaped rodolfo into the modern-day renaissance man he has become. An entrepreneur, athlete, explorer and true free thinker, has explored the world through an endless thirst and drive to explore his world which has made him a witness to the negative impact human activity has had on our and all ecosystems. his innate skill for mechanics, physics and engineering has always made him the ideal member of the watermen project and all its activities. rodolfo´s thirst for knowledge is unquenchable and he believes education is key to shifting society towards more sustainable behaviors and endeavours. his blend of realism and optimism inspires all of us to work towards a better future.
Angelos Metaxa
Team member (2012 – current)
Get ready to discover the story of Angelos, an entrepreneur whose love for nature drives his desire to assist in conservation work. With a focus on real estate and private equity ventures in Europe and the uSA, Angelos devotes a significant part
of his private time to exploring the mountains and oceans. He finds great joy in experiencing nature adventurously, and his passion for the environment is evident in everything he does.
During a chance meeting with William Winram in 2011, Angelos’ dedication to ocean conservation was ignited. He was shocked by the grave condition of our planet’s oceans and immediately volunteered to be a part of the Watermen Project’s journey. His social entrepreneurship and fundraising expertise have been invaluable to the team, allowing them to make a greater impact in their mission to protect and preserve the oceans.
Angelos’ unwavering commitment to conservation work is an inspiration to us all. Through his passion for the mountains and oceans and his desire to make a difference, he reminds us of the importance of protecting the natural world for future generations.