Team

Ali Mahmudi is a Project Manager with Bachelor degree of Participatory Project Planning and Management from Tengeru Institute of Community Development – Arusha, Tanzania.

He is passionate about planning, implementing, and managing projects that create positive and sustainable impact. Ali has been working with marinecultures.org for six years in coordinating projects, managing team, stakeholder engagement, and ensure successful implementing of community-based initiatives that support healthy marine ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods.

Ali has a strong focus on marine conservation, coral reef restoration as well as sustainable management of marine resources for community and ecosystem resilience as he became a trainer of coral restoration training and facilitator of community awareness events.

Gabriel Masala is a marine scientist and fisheries governance specialist with over four years of experience in community-based fisheries management and coastal conservation in Zanzibar. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture.

As Co Manager, Fisheries Officer at marinecultures.org, Gabriel leads field implementation of the Blue Ventures-funded fisheries programme, managing a field team and working directly with coastal communities in Jambiani and surrounding areas. He brings deep experience in co-management governance, Shehia Fisheries Committees, and participatory resource management, and is expanding his experience into coral reef conservation and marine aquaculture.

Gabriel believes lasting ocean conservation is only possible when the people who depend on the sea are at the centre of the decisions that govern it.

Abbas is an upcoming marine scientist with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine science from the University of Dar es Salaam’s Institute of Marine Science.

He is passionate about ocean conservation and restoration, particularly coral reef ecosystems. Following his graduation, Abbas worked for African Impact, an NGO centered around sustainability and responsible tourism. He has experience as an educator in sustainable marine tourism especially in dolphin and coral reef tourism.

During his time as an SOS Scholar, Abbas is excited to be part of our coral larval propagation project with marinecultures, and to further develop his skills and experience in coral reefs restoration and conservation.

With a background in social anthropology and environmental science, as well as years of experience as a divemaster, Fabienne Addor combines academic depth with practical marine expertise. Fabienne is a child of the sea; she is drawn to the water. In January 2025, she moved to Zanzibar with her belongings (and her dog) and took over the management of marinecultures.org.

As an experienced leader, project manager, and creative platform builder, Fabienne is now also committed to social change at marinecultures.org. She is particularly inspired by her team’s work to protect and restore the reefs because she sees tangible positive effects for the ocean and people becoming visible. Her guiding principle is connectedness — Tuka Pamoja. We shape change together.

Omar Moh’d Haji holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies (BAGES) from The State University of Zanzibar. He currently works with marinecultures.org as Assistant Project Manager for Fisheries Management, focusing on marine conservation and co-management in collaboration with local fisheries committees.

Omar has experience working in multicultural environments and supports the development of participatory conservation approaches that strengthen local governance and long-term marine resource management. He is passionate about community empowerment, sustainable fisheries, and protecting coastal ecosystems in Zanzibar.

Mohammed Juma Haji (Hijabu) completed his secondary education at Jambiani Secondary School. He is a former fisherman and boat captain at Easy Blue in Jambiani Village.

Hijabu currently works at marinecultures.org in coral farming, focusing on marine conservation and coral reef restoration, where he serves as a coral farmer and tools repair technician. He is zealous to develop his skills further through the larval propagation project in coral restoration.

Abdi Mjaka Haji completed his studies at Jambiani Secondary School. He previously worked as a fisherman in Jambiani Village and currently works at marineculture.org in coral farming, focusing on coral reef restoration and marine conservation.

Abdi serves as the Inventory and Office Supplies Responsible Officer. He is eager to gain new experience and strengthen his skills in coral farming for reef restoration, particularly through the larval propagation project to be implemented by marinecultures.org.

Ali Pandu Suleiman (Tabu) completed his secondary education at Jambiani Secondary School. He previously worked as a fisherman and hotel chief.

Tabu currently works at marinecultures.org as a coral farmer for marine conservation, serving as a time manager and supervisor for the coral team and volunteers/guests. He is motivated to strengthen his skills in coral reef restoration through the upcoming larval propagation project.

Haji Mjaka Haji (Shamte) completed his secondary education at Jambiani Secondary School. He previously worked as a hotel maintenance staff member and local fisherman.

Shamte currently works at marinecultures.org in coral farming and positioned as store keeper, he is keen to further develop his skills and experience through the larval propagation project in coral restoration.

Hassan has been an experienced captain with marinecultures.org for more than six years. Born and raised in Jambiani, Zanzibar, he comes from a local fishing family, where he learned the traditional skills of fishing and navigating the Indian Ocean from his father at a young age.

Since joining marinecultures.org, Hassan has left fishing behind to dedicate his knowledge and passion for the ocean to marine conservation. Today, he safely guides our dive teams, researchers, volunteers, and guests on the water every week. With his extensive local knowledge, calm personality, and years of experience at sea, he is an essential member of our team and ensures that every trip is both safe and enjoyable.

Hassan’s journey reflects our mission: creating sustainable livelihoods by transforming traditional fishing skills into careers that actively protect and restore Zanzibar’s marine ecosystems.