Despite growing up far from the coast in central Russia, Grigory has always been passionate about the ocean and marine mammals. He graduated from Moscow State University with degrees in marine biology and ecology. He has pursued an academic career since 1998 studying gray whales, orcas, arctic foxes, northern fur seals, walruses, and bowhead whales.
Grigory has advocated for whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures in Russia and around the world as campaigner for marine mammals to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Advocacy for whales and dolphins brought Grigory far across the equator to Antarctica. He joined Antarctic Ocean Alliance and worked as its representative for Russia where he has advocated for the designation of marine protected areas in the Antarctic.
Since 2012 Grigory has been sharing his knowledge and passion for marine life and the Polar Regions through lecturing and guiding on expedition voyages. He has travelled all over the Russian Far East, the Arctic, and the Antarctic. A keen naturalist and wildlife photographer, he is always happy to share his experiences through photographs and stories about adventures beyond both polar circles, as well as the unique encounters with people and wildlife living in these pristine remote areas.