Our Founder

James Nikitine is a French-British marine scientist, filmmaker, and communications strategist originally from the French Alps. Inspired by the ocean from a young age, he began diving at 10 and went on to study film (BA, University of Exeter) before completing an MSc in Marine Systems and Policies at the University of Edinburgh.

James is the Founder and CEO of the Blue Cradle Foundation, a Pacific-based nonprofit focused on ocean regeneration and ocean literacy. Over the past decade, he has worked globally on marine science and policy projects—covering high seas governance, microplastics, deep sea research, and climate impacts—collaborating with IUCN, UNESCO, WWF, Pew, and governments across Europe and the Pacific.

A former Media Advisor to UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, he has produced award-winning films on ocean issues and led communications initiatives at major UN conferences. He is an Edmund Hillary Fellow, member of IUCN’s WCPA, and Co-Chair of the EU4Ocean Platform.

Now based in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, James is also a PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury’s HITLabNZ, exploring immersive digital storytelling for ocean literacy and marine decision-making. He lives with his two young sons and remains committed to advancing marine conservation through education, collaboration, and creative innovation.