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 Sea Sense, ensuring alignment with national priorities and global sustainability goals. Under his guidance, Sea Sense is enhancing coastal ecosystem health while uplifting the livelihoods of dependent communities, making significant strides in protecting 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. 

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. 

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. Haule's commitment to data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement allows us to adapt and evolve our strategies, maximizing positive societal impacts. 

Abdallah is at the forefront of Sea Sense's efforts in fisheries management and gender-equality projects across Kilwa, Lindi, and Tanga areas. His commitment to working closely with fishing communities empowers them to sustainably manage their marine and coastal resources. 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 marine conservation. With over two decades of experience, his vast knowledge and wisdom have been invaluable in driving our community conservation programs. His deep connection to the people and environment makes him an irreplaceable force in the fight against marine biodiversity loss. 

Kaitira Benard holds 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. He is a certified Advanced open-water diver and a member of several scientific and environmental organizations. 

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. 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.

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 is a talented Master of Ceremonies (MC) for community education and outreach events, where his charismatic presence and ability to connect with audiences make outreach events both informative and enjoyable. 

Pooja is a dedicated marine biologist with a Master’s degree in marine biology, fueled by her immense love for the ocean. She believes in the power of collaboration and education to inspire others to join the ocean 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 sustainability. 

Emmanuelina is a dedicated Project Accountant with several years of experience across both nonprofit and private sectors, contributing a wealth of knowledge in financial compliance, efficiency, and strategy. Her expertise lies in grant management and financial oversight, backed by over five years in auditing. 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.