MEET THE SEA SENSE TEAM

Gosbert Katunzi serves as the Executive Director of Sea Sense, guiding the organization towards impactful marine conservation and sustainable development. With extensive experience and a strong grasp of environmental challenges, he manages the overall strategic direction of our initiatives, ensuring alignment with national priorities and global sustainability goals.

His leadership fosters collaboration and innovation, creating a culture where creativity thrives. Passionate about empowering local communities, Gosbert advocates for their active involvement in conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources. Under his guidance, Sea Sense is enhancing coastal ecosystems' health while uplifting the livelihoods of dependent communities, making significant strides in promoting marine biodiversity and securing a sustainable future for generations.

With over 25 years of experience in fisheries management and community economic development, Lydia is a driving force behind Sea Sense's impact. She oversees our work programs, ensuring that we deliver real, measurable results in the coastal communities we serve.

Lydia's expertise and leadership help guide our efforts to promote sustainable practices and improve livelihoods, making her an essential part of our mission to protect marine environments while empowering local communities. Her commitment to creating lasting change has shaped Sea Sense's success in conservation and community development.

Rahma is the organizational heartbeat of Sea Sense, providing essential finance and administrative support that keeps everything running smoothly. From meticulously managing day-to-day expenses to ensuring all accounts are accurately recorded and documented, her attention to detail keeps our operations on track.

Rahma's efficiency and dedication behind the scenes allow the rest of the team to focus on conservation efforts, knowing the office is in expert hands. Her role is vital in ensuring the seamless flow of our projects and the success of our mission.

Ambonisye Haule plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our projects and programs are executed with excellence. With a keen eye for detail, he rigorously assesses the effectiveness of our initiatives, ensuring they not only meet their objectives but also deliver meaningful benefits to the communities we serve.

Ambonisye’s commitment to data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement allows us to adapt and evolve our strategies, maximizing positive societal impacts. His expertise in monitoring and evaluation empowers the Sea Sense team to learn from our experiences, ensuring that our conservation efforts are both impactful and sustainable for the future.

Abbas is an experienced Mass Communication professional based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, His expertise lies in developing strategic communication plans, crafting policies, and telling impactful stories that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. Through his work, Abbas has significantly strengthened Sea Sense’s brand and visibility, overseeing a comprehensive restructuring of the organization’s website, enhancing social media platforms, and producing high-quality content, including newsletters, press releases, and visually compelling media. His exceptional skills in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and staff training empower him to establish meaningful partnerships with media outlets, securing valuable coverage for Sea Sense’s conservation efforts.

As an accomplished filmmaker, Abbas brings a unique and creative storytelling approach to his work. Combining video production, photography, and ethical media practices, he creates powerful visual narratives that showcase Sea Sense’s mission and achievements. With extensive experience in digital media, Abbas excels in producing engaging, informative content that effectively connects with diverse audiences. His commitment to strategic communication and impactful media has been instrumental in driving public engagement and advancing Sea Sense’s organizational goals across Tanzania’s conservation landscape.

Abdallah is at the forefront of Sea Sense's efforts in fisheries management and gender-based projects across Kilwa, Lindi, Bagamoyo, and Tanga areas. His commitment to working closely with fishing communities empowers them to sustainably manage their marine and coastal resources.

Through his innovative approaches, Abdallah strengthens local capacity, ensuring that communities can thrive while preserving their vital ecosystems. His passion for promoting gender equality in resource management makes him a vital asset to our team, driving meaningful change and fostering resilience in coastal communities.

Since Sea Sense's inception in 2001, Omari has been a cornerstone of our mission, dedicating his life to conservation on Mafia Island. With over two decades of experience, his vast knowledge and wisdom have been invaluable in driving our community conservation programs.

Omari's tireless efforts have created lasting, positive change in coastal communities across Tanzania. His deep connection to the people and environment makes him an irreplaceable force in the fight for marine conservation, empowering communities to protect their natural resources for future generations.

Kaitira Benard is an aquatic scientist with seven years of experience, holding a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries from the University of Dar es Salaam. His expertise lies in working with coastal communities on the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic resources, with a focus on critical habitats like mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs.

Kaitira is a certified Advanced open-water diver and a member of several scientific and environmental organizations, including WIOESN and TAFAEO. His goal is to protect and manage marine and freshwater resources while promoting the blue economy through conservation and capacity building.

Joshua Edwin Atata is instrumental in coordinating our initiatives in the Tanga Region. His passion for marine conservation drives him to strengthen local stewardship of critical species, including sea turtles and dugongs, while promoting the health of coral reef ecosystems.

Joshua’s work focuses on building livelihood resilience through sustainable fisheries management, ensuring that communities can thrive while protecting their natural resources. His hands on approach and dedication to community engagement empower local stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their marine environments. With Joshua at the helm of these vital projects, Sea Sense is making significant strides toward a sustainable future for both people and wildlife in Tanga.

Ronny Peter brings fresh energy and invaluable insights to Sea Sense as a Project Assistant, following a successful internship with us. Now based in Mkuranga, he plays a crucial role in providing essential field support for the implementation of our fisheries co-management program. Ronny’s hands-on approach and commitment to empowering local fishing communities ensure that our conservation initiatives are grounded in real-world practices and community needs.

His enthusiasm for sustainable fisheries management shines through in his efforts to foster collaboration among stakeholders, promoting responsible resource use and enhancing the livelihoods of local fishermen. With Ronny on board, Sea Sense is not only enhancing marine conservation but also building a brighter future for the communities we serve.

Salum Mapoy has been a vital part of the Sea Sense team since 2001, starting as a Conservation Officer on Mafia Island. With over two decades of experience in marine conservation, he is renowned for his dedication to community engagement and education. Salum’s deep understanding of local ecosystems allows him to effectively communicate essential conservation messages.

In addition to his conservation work, Salum is a talented Master of Ceremonies (MC) for community education and outreach events, where his charismatic presence and ability to connect with audiences make gatherings both informative and enjoyable. His engaging approach fosters community involvement in marine conservation, empowering individuals to take action to protect their natural resources. Salum's leadership continues to enhance Sea Sense's impact on marine life and coastal communities.

Pooja is a dedicated marine biologist with a Master’s degree in marine biology, fueled by her immense love for the ocean and its incredible inhabitants. Her passion drives her commitment to actively work towards conservation, aiming to protect the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and ensure their sustainability for future generations.

With a vision to lead sustainable practices within both the social and scientific communities, Pooja is focused on making a positive impact through innovative research and community engagement. She believes in the power of collaboration and education to inspire others to join the conservation movement. By advocating for environmentally responsible practices, Pooja strives to raise awareness about the importance of marine life and its preservation. Her work is a testament to her belief that every action counts in the fight for ocean conservation, and she is determined to create meaningful change in the world’s waters.

Emmanuelina is a dedicated Project Accountant with over three years of experience in the NGO sector, including a significant role in managing USAID projects. Her expertise lies in grant management and financial oversight, backed by over five years in auditing. She has successfully worked across both nonprofit and private sectors, contributing a wealth of knowledge in financial compliance, efficiency, and strategy. Emmanuelina's credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA-Finance), which empower her with robust skills in decision-making and financial strategy. She is also a qualified Associate Certified Public Accountant in public practice (ACPA-PP) and holds certification from the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA) in Tanzania.

Additionally, Emmanuelina's expertise is enhanced by her Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation (PGDT-E) from the Institute of Tax Administration (ITA), equipping her with a diverse skill set that spans financial reporting, compliance, and tax management. With an in-depth understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), she ensures adherence to reporting standards critical for organizational transparency. Known for optimizing financial operations and supporting organizational goals, Emmanuelina brings a proven track record of driving efficiency and accountability in every role.

For over 18 years, Mbwana Shabani has been the backbone of Sea Sense's field operations, ensuring the team travels safely to project sites along Tanzania's coast. His dedication and expertise have been instrumental in enabling our work, as he navigates diverse and challenging terrains with reliability and care.

Without Mbwana, much of our conservation work wouldn't be possible. He is an invaluable part of the team, keeping Sea Sense on the move and always delivering us safely to the communities we serve.

Lindsey worked at Sea Sense for 11 years and now consults for Sea Sense as a Technical Advisor.  She is responsible for guiding the scientific endeavours of the organisation and providing support on technical aspects of programme design.  Lindsey is a member of the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group, the IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Turtle Task Force.