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Coral Sea Foundation

Mission

The Coral Sea Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness of the ecological and social value of the Coral Sea and Eastern Coral Triangle and to be proactive in its sustainable management. This region contains the last great reservoir of ultra-diverse coral reefs in the world, yet most of it is remote and rarely visited, and is in urgent need of our assistance to increase the number of marine reserves. Combining an ethos of science, gender equity, ecotourism, and sustainability, the Foundation works with traditional owners to develop marine reserves that enhance fisheries and ecotourism resources, while improving the basic quality of life of people in our partner villages.

Launched

Location

Sustainable Development Goals

Program

Our primary program, Sea Women of Melanesia is a training program that empowers indigenous women with the education, skills, and resources they need to take an active role in raising awareness around, and creating and monitoring marine protected areas of coral reefs. To date over 30 women have been trained through the program, and it has led to more than 20 new marine reserve areas being proposed and surveyed in high conservation-value locations in the coral triangle marine biodiversity hotspot.

Coral Sea Foundation also has a Vessel Deployment Program that is developing an Expedition Vessel (catamaran) uniquely adapted to our operations in the Coral Sea and significantly more advanced in design and performance than contemporary vessels. Our Expedition Vessel features include an advanced hybrid power system, primary propulsion via sails, a coconut biofuel system, and additional power collection via wind turbines and solar panels.

Contact:

Web

coralseafoundation@gmail.com

Team

Dr Andy Lewis – Executive Director, Coral Sea Foundation. Lead Project Manager.
Dr Lewis is the founder of the Coral Sea Foundation and instigator of the SWoM Project and has
been the primary manager of both operations since their inception. He has a PhD in coral reef
ecology and 15 years’ experience in maritime operations, marine science and community
conservation projects in Papua New Guinea and has administered ≈ A$200,000 in grant funding to
date.
Dr David Williamson – Director Marine Reserve Science, Coral Sea Foundation. Roles – marine
reserve biodiversity assessment, assistant project manager.
Dr Daniela Ceccarelli – Director Marine Reserve Spatial Planning, Coral Sea Foundation. Roles –
marine reserve biodiversity assessment, assistant project manager.
Mr Jakob Hickey – Paramedic and Security, Coral Sea Foundation. Roles – manager of medical aid
and operational security.
Ms Naomi Longa – SWoM Program Coordinator, Coral Sea Foundation, and SWoM team leader,
Kimbe. Roles – management of technical capability and training of SWoM teams, and Project lead
for operations in the Manus and West New Britain provinces.
Ms Evangelista Apelis – SWoM Director and team leader, Port Moresby. Roles – SWoM Project
administration and logistics, and Project lead for operations in the Central province.
Ms Martha Eimba – SWoM Director and team leader, Milne Bay Province. Roles – management of
technical capability and training of SWoM teams, and Project lead for operations in the Milne Bay
province.
Ms Lorie Pipiga – SWoM team leader, Ferguson Island. Roles – management of technical capability
and training of SWoM teams, and Project lead for operations at Ferguson Island in the Milne Bay
province.
Ms Israelah Atua – SWoM Director and treasurer. Roles – SWoM Project administration and logistics,
and Project assistant for operations in the Central province.