Dr. Andy Lewis is a professional marine scientist and mariner with a Ph.D. in coral reef ecology from James Cook University, and the founder of the Coral Sea Foundation.
He has been instrumental in initiating and developing the award-winning Sea Women of Melanesia and Sea Women Great Barrier Reef training programs, which empower Indigenous women with the skills and knowledge to lead marine conservation and reef monitoring efforts in their own communities. These programs are now internationally recognized models of gender equity and grassroots capacity building in marine science.
Previously, Andy managed ecotourism operations aboard the expedition vessel True North for more than a decade, during which he surveyed reefs and collaborated with First Nations people across the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and West Papua.
An expert underwater photographer and engaging public speaker, Andy’s passion for the reefs, islands, and people of the Coral Sea Arc drives the Coral Sea Foundation as a platform for delivering innovative, community-based solutions for marine conservation and sustainable reef management across the region.
Lily Donnelly is a marine scientist and wildlife geneticist from northern New South Wales, now based on Magnetic Island in North Queensland. She holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, a Master’s degree in marine science and is currently completing a PhD in Wildlife Genomics. Her work and volunteer experience span a range of conservation initiatives across Australia, India, and East Africa — including empowering coastal communities in Kovalam, India, with establishing a local marine conservation centre, and leading marine research and education programs in Mafia Island, Tanzania, to promote sustainable fishing, tourism, and conservation practices. Currently, Lily coordinates the Magnetic Island Network for Turtles (MINT), working with local volunteers and community partners to protect and rehabilitate sea turtles and promote marine stewardship across the island.
Kristin is an experienced director and governance advisor with more than 25 years of professional experience as a marine ecologist in the Great Barrier Reef and Pacific regions.
She is the CEO and Co-Founder of Environment Pacific with her project portfolio focussing on biodiversity conservation and protected areas management, food security, livelihoods and climate resilience.
Kristin is an advocate of community-led initiatives and mentoring programs that build local capacity to sustain, protect and manage viable marine ecosystems for current and future generations.
She brings a collaborative and pragmatic approach to connect science, effective policy and local knowledge to help communities build resilience in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
She is the CEO and Co-Founder of Environment Pacific with her project portfolio focussing on biodiversity conservation and protected areas management, food security, livelihoods and climate resilience.
Kristin is an advocate of community-led initiatives and mentoring programs that build local capacity to sustain, protect and manage viable marine ecosystems for current and future generations.
She brings a collaborative and pragmatic approach to connect science, effective policy and local knowledge to help communities build resilience in some of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Naomi Longa - Manager: Sea Women of Melanesia Program
Naomi Longa is a proud Melanesian woman from West New Britain and Manus Provinces of Papua New Guinea. She is an ocean advocate, scuba diving instructor, and community conservation leader dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems across the Pacific. As Co-Director of the Sea Women of Melanesia program and a lead trainer for its Great Barrier Reef initiative, Naomi empowers Indigenous women through training in coral reef monitoring, marine protected area management, and grassroots community engagement.
Naomi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Papua New Guinea and is a certified SSI Scuba Diving Instructor. Since joining the Sea Women of Melanesia in 2018, she has led conservation programs that combine science, cultural values, and local leadership to protect marine ecosystems.
Naomi has received international recognition for her leadership in ocean conservation, including the 2021 Blue Marine Foundation Ocean Award (Local Hero), the 2022 CPL Foundation Pride of PNG Award (Environment), and the 2024 Whitley Award presented by HRH Princess Anne. In 2023, she led the National Geographic Pristine Seas team to her maternal island of Manus to document a community-established Locally Managed Marine Area—an achievement that reflects her commitment to Indigenous-led marine protection. Her work, supported by the Coral Sea Foundation, continues to inspire a new generation of women leaders working to protect the Pacific’s reefs through the integration of traditional knowledge and marine science.
Andi is a lifetime multihull sailor and professional mariner, holding a Master IV certification and bringing to the Foundation a broad experience in the maritime industry, from commercial catamaran ferries to traditional tall ships, crew training, deliveries, and reef charters.
He has raced Open 60 trimarans through the West Pacific and SE Asia and is currently living aboard his third multihull, a 43ft aluminium catamaran. Andi has worked and sailed extensively through the Great Barrier reef and Coral Sea over the last 14 years, and is committed to the concept of sustainable ecotourism and reef management through Melanesia.
Dale is an environmental engineer with a strong track record for delivering transformative community aid projects through Africa, South-East Asia, and Melanesia with a focus on clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
He founded the non-profit organisation MSABI in Tanzania in 2008, which now employs 75 people and has administered over US$3 million in aid grants. To date, MSABI projects have improved the lives of over half a million rural people in East Africa, and the organisation acts as a business incubator, encouraging local communities to develop sustainable enterprises around clean water delivery systems.
Dale has also worked extensively on water and hygiene projects in Solomon Islands, most recently with the United Nations Development Program, and has also participated in Surfaid International projects in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia and the Vanimo region of Papua New Guinea. Dale is also a qualified marine biologist and keen surfer and SCUBA diver.
Natalie embodies the spirit of a proud Cape York Bama, Bwgcolman woman, and Eastern Kuku Yalanji & Olkola Traditional Owner. With unwavering dedication, she amplifies First Nations perspectives in environmental stewardship and community well-being through her role as the Ranger Coordinator for the Mingga-Mingga Ranger Program on Palm Island.
Armed with a robust background in First Nation community engagement and project management, Natalie skillfully navigates program development, policy formulation, and strategic planning, rooted in a profound respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.
Throughout her impactful career, she strives to enhance outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through innovative initiatives in Natural and Cultural Resource Management, Native Title, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Indigenous Education, Health, and Wellbeing.
Recognised for her excellence in project planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, Natalie emphasises the importance of engaging First Nation communities at every stage of program implementation. Her expertise shines in areas such as environmental awareness, natural resource management, cultural heritage management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
With a passion for integrating First Nations perspectives into the management of coastal and marine environments, Natalie draws from her roots on Palm Island to advocate for the recognition and application of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. She ensures that Indigenous voices are prioritised in the decision-making processes affecting the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding coastal and marine environments.
Brian is a proud Wulgurukaba man and a Traditional Owner of Yunbenun (Magnetic Island), and he is committed to assisting the Wulgurukaba people to deepen their knowledge and connection to their sea country.
He worked along the north Queensland coast for 17 years as a ranger for the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service and remains an advisor to QPWS and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on matters relating to the management of cultural heritage on Yunbenun.
Brian is also on the board of Djulin Marine Aboriginal Corporation and has a long-standing interest in developing giant clam aquaculture as a sustainable business for First Nations people in north Queensland.
Rebecca is a versatile professional who consistently exceeds expectations in diverse fields. Holding a B.A.Sc. in Environmental Management and Marine Science, she has established herself as a dynamic force in various sectors, collaborating with social enterprises, start-ups, government entities, and corporations. Her passion for the reefs, islands, and people of the Coral Sea Arc shines through her recent work on the new Coral Sea Foundation website.
While based in Noosa, Rebecca frequently embarks on journeys to the far north, immersing herself in the region she deeply cares about. She proudly serves as an ambassador for the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and has been recognised as an esteemed inductee into the University of the Sunshine Coast Sporting Hall of Fame, holding titles such as former Australian and Women's World Kitesurfing Champion.
With her attention to detail and unwavering dedication, Rebecca brings invaluable expertise and enthusiasm to the Coral Sea Foundation team.
Cristiana is a marine biologist, photographer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for oceanic exploration, and she is a former Director of the Coral Sea Foundation.
An experienced dive instructor and technical diver, her knowledge encompasses coral reef ecology with a special interest in shark conservation and she has worked for many years as a guide for National Geographic Expeditions to remote locations whilst focusing on her work as an advocate for marine protection.
Cristiana has worked as an instructor in our Sea Women Great Barrier Reef training program, and her knowledge of the Coral Triangle region and the Great Barrier Reef is a welcome asset to the Coral Sea Foundation team.
Jake has a Ph.D. in Life from the University of hard knocks, joining the Australian Army at age 21 as a medical technician and eventually working in Iraq as a Special Forces medic, with his service recognised in the Australia Day Honours and Awards 2017.
Since leaving the defence force, Jake has completed tertiary education in paramedicine as well as completing the NSW Ambulance Rescue and Special Operations courses. He has consulted with government and non-government agencies in multiple locations around the world including Central Asia, the Middle East, South East Asia, outback Australia, and the Pacific, providing practical first-aid and evacuation solutions.
Most recently, Jake has worked in African conservation, training anti-poaching rangers in Zambia's Nsumbu National Park for the Frankfurt Zoological Society. When not working or planning the next adventure, Jake can be found surfing, diving, swimming in the ocean, bow-hunting, trail running, or rock-climbing in the hills.
Angela is the CEO of Melanesian Luxury Yachts and she brings a great depth of experience to the Coral Sea Foundation team, having served as a Coral Sea Foundation Director for two years and represented the organisation at several high profile international meetings.
She has travelled widely through the South-Pacific, and as a citizen of both Papua New Guinea and Australia, has a deep knowledge of Indigenous culture and a passion for humanitarian work and the empowerment of women in Melanesia.
Angela is an experienced businesswoman, expedition guide, and registered nurse, and she is rightly regarded as a regional expert in maritime operations planning and logistics.