About us/Who we are

SightMe is an EcoMarine Malta project developed by More Interactive with the aim to collect as much data as possible about cetaceans and turtles around Malta.

The mission of EcoMarine Malta is to raise awareness about the marine ecosystem through sustainable boat-based experiences. The ultimate goal is to protect the marine environment by guiding people on “why” they should not pollute and live a more sustainable lifestyle. The beauty of nature and emotional experiences in contact with the sea are worth more than 1000 lectures.
Ecomarine Malta was born in 2018 when Patrizia Patti, the founder, decided to bring her Italian experience here with the aim to create the first sustainable whale watching enterprise in Malta, taking up the challenge to merge public awareness with research.

The project was supported by the Maritime Seed Award 2017.

“Tourism must be Sustainable"

EcoMarine Malta provides a new environmentally friendly experience that is respectful of nature and useful in learning how to protect our ocean and our planet’s heart.
An expert biologist will always accompany our guests on a journey into nature and knowledge onboard.

The sailing e boat allows us to have direct contact with the sea and its inhabitants, Discovering how essential is our good conduct.

Onboard, a hydrophone is used to locate the animals and listen to the sounds made by dolphins.
Each of our trips begins with a briefing on the islands’ ecology, animal biology, pollution, and conservation, followed by an explanation of any species encountered along the way. All in the maximum respect for the sea and the animal encountered.

Despite the presence of critical habitats, very little scientific information about cetacean habitat use is available, both spatially and temporally. To that end, whale/dolphin watching activities can provide critical data for a better understanding of species presence and distribution, both temporally and spatially.

Eco Marine Malta is conducting the first ‘whale’ watching activity, with the primary goals of promoting sustainable tourism and collecting scientific data on endangered marine species.

Team

Patrizia Patti - Founder - Marine Biologist
I’m a marine biologist, and I’ve worked out at sea with marine life giving institutional tour and lectures.My dream has always been to keep in touch with the sea and its creatures. Now I want to share my passion and knowledge with people to create awareness and respect for the ecosystem. Small steps that can lead to great results. I started working with Tethys Research Institute when I began to collect data for my thesis: Aspects of the ecology of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the western Ligurian Sea I worked in Newfoundland (Canada) in a research project on the Food behaviour of humpback whales’ population. I worked as a dive guide and manager of environmental education projects in the Maldives and the Red Sea. In 2013 I co-founded Costa Balenae whale and nature watching. I have been Responsible for Costa Balenae whale and nature watching’s environmental education for schools and the biologist on board during whale watching tours. My experience my love for the marine ecosystem, but above all, the need to do something to defend and protect the marine ecosystem has motivated me to be part of this natural preservation through green eco tourism also here in Malta with Eco Marine Malta. I love Maltese islands and their incredible biodiversity, we have to protect and preserve.te
Giovanni De Lazzari - Founder and skipper
I’m a co-founder of EcoMarine Malta and skipper of the boats, I got the first nautical licences when I was 18 years old as a birthday gift. As an ocean lover I surfed waves in many countries and then I become a passionate windsurfer. During winters I was used to ski, snowboard and climbing but nothing stop me to go on the sea as many times as possible. At 22 years old I met Patrizia and her immense love for the sea and cetacean. During her thesis with Thetis research institute, I spend months on their boat as a co-skipper helping them with the boat and with the software she used to track and find sperm whales in the north-west of Mediterranean Sea. In Italy, I had my own Software company but the sea still calling, so what better than coming in Malta having a good IT job and also found a Company that allows me to enjoy the sea? in 2018 I make all the exams to get the Nautical licenses with the commercial endorsement that allow me to drive boats in Maltese sea water.
Francesca Soster - Graduated in Chemical Engineer – Marine biology student
My name is Francesca, I’m a chemical engineer and I have worked as Innovation and Sustainability Project Manager for more than 10 years. Since I’ve always been passionate about the ocean and cetaceans, I decided to take a new path and dedicate myself entirely to them. In the last two years, in fact, I have worked as field researcher in research programs about whales and dolphins in Turkey, Montenegro and in the Ligurian Sea. I’m currently studying marine biology and I have recently completed the JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee) Marine Mammal Observer Training Course and the PAM passive acoustic monitoring training course. Freediver and swimmer, I love to explore the Maltese Islands above and underwater and enjoy the beauty of their unique environments. I’m very happy to be part of EcoMarine and grateful for having the opportunity to work on my major interests and to learn so much every day. It’s also a great privilege to share my values with passionate people and to communicate respect for the environment through education.
Viviana Premazzi - PhD in Sociology of Migration and MA in Intercultural and Interreligious Conflict Management
With more than 10 years of experiences working with intercultural teams around the world. In 2018 Viviana founded Global Mindset Development – GMD Malta to help companies and organisations to develop a global mindset to understand and care about the worlds around them. I travelled to more than 50 countries and I lived in Italy, Malta, Portugal, The Netherlands, USA, Canada and Brazil. I’m a Specialist in education and training in diversity management, intercultural relations, B2E and B2C marketing strategy, passionate about CSR. I strongly believe in the power of Edutainment (Entertainment Education) and learning by doing. My aim is to always bridge research with practice and fieldwork.
Jacqueline Panzavecchia - Assistant and logistic manager
My name is Jacqueline and I work as a Data Collector and Tour Advisor. My hobbies are swimming, photography fitness craft and camping. I love animals especially dolphins which for that reason I did a Marine Biology Course comprised of lectures, discussions and fieldwork at the Department of Marine Biology and Faculty of Science at the University of Malta also attended to a training workshop about the identification of cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoises) and turtle species offered by MEPA and BOV and to 7 days long research expeditions (observation at sea) with KAI Marine services as a volunteer during the LIFE+Migrate project 2017 I started as a volunteer with EcoMarine Malta and now I am happy to be part of the team. My aim is to protect the environment by sharing my experience and knowledge about Marine life with others especially with our future generation.
Antonella Napolitano - Partner of More Interactive
CEO of More Interactive Agency of  digital communication. We are specialize in anything identity for brand. We provide Art Directors, Graphics, Programmers, and Developers.
Sara Pace - Artist, Art Teacher & Culture Mentor at St Francis Secondary School, Sliema
MFA graduate in digital fine arts, as well as a graduate art historian, with 10 years teaching experience within secondary schools in Malta. Repeatedly recognised for creative, conceptual and analytical talents; creative and design proficiencies; and an exemplary work ethic, capable of working both on her own as well as a team player. I can offer creative ideas, with excellent project development, as is needed by the client.
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