New Team Members at marinecultures.org
Our team has grown over the past year, and we are very happy to welcome three new team members to marinecultures.org. Each of them brings valuable knowledge, experience and new perspectives to our work in coral restoration, marine science and fisheries management.
A warm welcome to the team, Abbas, Gabriel, Kat and Omar!
Abbas Mbarouk
Scientific Technician
Abbas is an early career marine scientist with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science from the University of Dar es Salaam’s Institute of Marine Sciences.
He is passionate about ocean conservation and restoration, particularly coral reef ecosystems. Following his graduation, Abbas worked for African Impact, an NGO focused on sustainability and responsible tourism. He gained experience as an educator in sustainable marine tourism, particularly in dolphin and coral reef tourism.
As an SOS Scholar, Abbas is excited to be part of our coral larval propagation project with marinecultures.org. He is also looking forward to further developing his skills and experience in coral reef restoration and conservation.
Gabriel Benjamin Masala
Project Lead and Co Manager Fisheries Management
Gabriel Masala is a marine scientist and fisheries governance specialist with more than 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 the field implementation of the Blue Ventures funded fisheries programme, manages a field team and works directly with coastal communities in Jambiani and the surrounding areas.
He brings valuable experience in co management governance, Shehia Fisheries Committees and participatory resource management. He is also expanding his expertise into coral reef conservation and marine aquaculture.
Gabriel believes that lasting ocean conservation is only possible when the people who depend on the sea are at the centre of the decisions that govern it.
Omar Moh’d Haji
Assistant Co Manager Fisheries Management
Omar joined marinecultures.org in August 2025 and has since become an important part of our fisheries management team.
Omar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies from the State University of Zanzibar. At marinecultures.org, he works 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 Zanzibar’s coastal ecosystems.
Welcome to the team!
We are very happy to have Abbas, Gabriel and Omar on board. Their different backgrounds and areas of expertise strengthen our team and support the continued development of marinecultures.org.
We look forward to everything we will achieve together!