Team

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-managing 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 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.

Ali Mahmudi is a Project Manager with a Bachelor’s degree in Participatory Project Planning and Management from Tengeru Institute of Community Development in 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, coordinating projects, managing the team, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring the successful implementation 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. He is also a trainer on our coral restoration courses and a facilitator of community awareness events.

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 both the ocean and the people who depend on it. Her guiding principle is connectedness — Tuko Pamoja. We shape change together.

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 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.org, and to further develop his skills and experience in coral reef restoration and conservation.

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.

From her first dive in the ocean at 8 years old, Kat was captivated by the underwater world. She spent many years travelling the globe and volunteering with various NGOs, including Reef Check Australia and the CoreSea Lab in Thailand.

In 2018, she completed a master’s degree in Marine Environmental Management at the University of York. Her research focused on coral restoration and reproduction, with fieldwork conducted at the MaRHE Centre in the Maldives and the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology. Since then she has worked for coral restoration projects based in the Philippines and Indonesia before joining us in Zanzibar.

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

Abdi serves as the Inventory and Office Supplies 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.

Mohamed 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, while also serving as in-house tool repair technician. He is eager to develop his skills further through the larval propagation project in coral restoration.

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

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

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

Shamte currently works at marinecultures.org in coral farming and as storekeeper. 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.