Science, Exploration & Citizen Action
Protecting Whales and Wild Oceans
Planet Deep turns cutting-edge conservation projects into real ocean protection. From tracking deep-diving whales and creating marine reserves to guiding industry best practices, supporting filmmakers, and leading citizen-science expeditions, our projects safeguard critical habitats and inspire global action for healthy seas.
Our priority species include the majestic blue whales and mighty sperm whales, as well as mysterious beaked whales, Bryde’s and Omurai whales, and numerous oceanic dolphins including orcas.
Protecting Oceans Together
Meet our team
Our team brings together marine scientists, conservationists, expedition leaders, filmmakers, and local experts who share a common goal – protecting whales, dolphins, and the unique ocean ecosystems of the Coral Triangle. With decades of experience across research, conservation, community partnerships, and exploration, they work together to turn science into real action for the sea.
CO-Founder
Benjamin Kahn
Benjamin Kahn is a sperm whale ecologist, cetacean researcher and ocean conservation expert with over two decades of expertise in remote field work.
He has led numerous cetacean REAs (Rapid Ecological Assessments), surveys, research expeditions, capacity building and training workshops, policy development and technical assistance programs to both government and partners on the development of MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) and a sustainable blue economy. His key interests are the “deep diving giants” – blue and sperm whales – and the oceanic hotspots in the Indo-Pacific region.
He is the Director and co-founder of Planet Deep, a non-profit foundation that focuses on “Conservation of Oceanic Whales and Dolphins in the Coral Triangle” and supports Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for deep-sea habitats such as migratory corridors, seamounts, canyons and oceanic islands.
Benjamin is an expert and long-standing member of several IUCN Commissions (WCPA, SSC), a member of the IUCN Task Force on Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) and an International Fellow of the renowned Explorers Club for his “contributions to marine science and exploration”. After being based in Indonesia for close to two decades, he recently moved to Western Australia.
CO-FOUNDER
Johannes Hennicke
Johannes Hennicke followed his passion for the underwater world two decades ago and left the corporate world of communication and advertising with an educational background in media design.
After several years working as a dive instructor Johannes started exploring the remote corners of the Indonesian archipelago aboard liveaboards as the Cruise Director. Inspired by curiosity and driven by passion he dedicated more and more of his time to marine conservation projects and initiatives: besides conducting expeditions, he contributed his experience towards marine mammal surveys – both resulting in collection of valuable data to establish and strengthen marine protected areas.
In recent years, Johannes has broadened his conservation efforts by advising governments and policy makers, fundraising, conducting workshops and coordinating educational and conservation projects in the field.
In the meantime he built a sustainable barefoot luxury resort on the island of Alor, Indonesia, where he resides together with his family – with a blue whale migration corridor right at their doorstep.