BOARD ADVISORS

Dr. Natoli is a molecular ecologist with a broad background covering plant genetics, chemistry, microbiology and general ecology, but her main research focuses on marine megafauna, in particular whales and dolphins for which she has extensive monito…

Dr. Natoli is a molecular ecologist with a broad background covering plant genetics, chemistry, microbiology and general ecology, but her main research focuses on marine megafauna, in particular whales and dolphins for which she has extensive monitoring experience.

She is currently concentrating her efforts on the cetaceans in the Gulf and Northern Indian Ocean, developing different lines of long term research to support the development of conservation measures for these species. These include boat based and land based monitoring surveys, stranding monitoring, diet and genetic analysis and citizen science.

Ada is currently part of the IUCN cetacean specialist list and she is involved in the International Whaling Commission as well as the lead of the UAE Dolphin Project.

DR ADA NATOLI
MOLECULAR ECOLOGIST

a Marine Biologist with a background in sea turtle and marine conservation. EMILY is experienced in motivating and educating different cultures to protect the local environment. Now based at Jumeirah on Saadiyat Island, her focus is on the local Haw…

a Marine Biologist with a background in sea turtle and marine conservation. EMILY is experienced in motivating and educating different cultures to protect the local environment. Now based at Jumeirah on Saadiyat Island, her focus is on the local Hawksbill and Green turtle populations, monitoring nesting activity over the summer and strandings over the winter.

EMILY ARMSTRONG
MARINE SCIENTIST

With her extensive environmental background, Fatma is a passionate environmental enthusiast. Fatma currently works in the field of CSR, particularly handling environmental projects. She is also a researcher in environmental management conducting res…

With her extensive environmental background, Fatma is a passionate environmental enthusiast. Fatma currently works in the field of CSR, particularly handling environmental projects. She is also a researcher in environmental management conducting research on a local and global level.

FATMA AL BASTAKI
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISOR

JOE IS A PASSIONATE ENVIRONMENTALIST, DRIVEN BY THE BELIEF IN THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS of HUMANs and nature. he is looking forward to playing an active role in azraq and encouraging others to enjoy the sense of purpose that comes with it

JOE IS A PASSIONATE ENVIRONMENTALIST, DRIVEN BY THE BELIEF IN THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS of HUMANs and nature. he is looking forward to playing an active role in azraq and encouraging others to enjoy the sense of purpose that comes with it

JOE SWORDS
PARTNERSHIPS ADVISOR

Shannon has been an active supporter of marine conservation activities for several years and has played a key supporting role in addressing shark conservation in Australia and globally. As a Board member for Azraq, Shannon will continue to pursue th…

Shannon has been an active supporter of marine conservation activities for several years and has played a key supporting role in addressing shark conservation in Australia and globally. As a Board member for Azraq, Shannon will continue to pursue the goals of marine conservation and protection.

SHANNON HORE
STRATEGY ADVISOR

 

OPERATIONAL TEAM

AS A Senior Consultant with 10 years of experience within the Higher Education/Training Industry working closely with schools, universities, corporates and accreditation bodies in THE GCC,KELVIN HAS provided a gateway for students who are keen on pu…

AS A Senior Consultant with 10 years of experience within the Higher Education/Training Industry working closely with schools, universities, corporates and accreditation bodies in THE GCC,KELVIN HAS provided a gateway for students who are keen on pursuing specialized qualifications in addition to their education background.

KELVIN KURIAN
OPERATIONS MANAGER

cHLOE’S PASSION for marine conservation started when SHE began scuba diving at THE AGE OF 10. Growing up in South East Asia, CHLOE had the opportunity to experience the magical beauty of tropical reefs and marine life. HER enthusiasm has developed, …

cHLOE’S PASSION for marine conservation started when SHE began scuba diving at THE AGE OF 10. Growing up in South East Asia, CHLOE had the opportunity to experience the magical beauty of tropical reefs and marine life. HER enthusiasm has developed, and SHE IS now an active PADI Scuba Diving Instructor with a mission to encourage and inspire students to treat the Ocean like their home

CHLOE GRIFFIN
MARKETING MANAGER

Darryl is the owner of Freestyle Divers and is passionate about the ocean. He launched the Freestyle Divers Academy to bring action-oriented ocean conservation within reach of citizen scientists and conservationists. He funded the development of a marine conservation education system and the creation of a unique coral conservation project in Dibba Fujairah. Darryl is an Instructor Trainer for RAID, a Technical Diving Instructor for UTD, an EFR instructor and an Instructor of Human Factors in Diving. He has accumulated 4000+ dives on open circuit and CCR across the world.

Darryl is the owner of Freestyle Divers and is passionate about the ocean. He launched the Freestyle Divers Academy to bring action-oriented ocean conservation within reach of citizen scientists and conservationists. He funded the development of a marine conservation education system and the creation of a unique coral conservation project in Dibba Fujairah.


Darryl is an Instructor Trainer for RAID, a Technical Diving Instructor for UTD, an EFR instructor and an Instructor of Human Factors in Diving. He has accumulated 4000+ dives on open circuit and CCR across the world.

Darryl Owen
SPONSORSHIP & PARTNERSHIP MANAGER

Ashleigh’s devotion to nature led her to study Zoology, specialising in tropical marine ecology and marine mammal biology. Talk to her about keystone species and you’ll never get away! She’s passionate and curious about the interactions between cult…

Ashleigh’s devotion to nature led her to study Zoology, specialising in tropical marine ecology and marine mammal biology. Talk to her about keystone species and you’ll never get away! She’s passionate and curious about the interactions between cultures and the natural environment. Ashleigh truly believes that together we are stronger, together we can make a difference.

ASHLEIGH TARMEY
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

SAPPHO IS A PROFESSIONAL ART DIRECTOR AND A MULTI-DiscIPlinary designer for advertising, branding and digital marketing. with a degree in fine arts she maximizes her proficiency in design, photography and the visual arts for environmental protection advocacy. she started volunteering in the philippines and continues to persue her passion in the united arab emirates.

SAPPHO IS A PROFESSIONAL ART DIRECTOR AND A MULTI-DiscIPlinary designer for advertising, branding and digital marketing. with a degree in fine arts she maximizes her proficiency in design, photography and the visual arts for environmental protection advocacy. she started volunteering in the philippines and continues to persue her passion in the united arab emirates.

SAPPHO RODRIGUEZ
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Specialising in retail, beauty and wellness, rochelle has over six years experience in the industry, managing brands, stores and e-commerce. Her passion for marine conservation drives her love for sustainable beauty and living.

Specialising in retail, beauty and wellness, rochelle has over six years experience in the industry, managing brands, stores and e-commerce. Her passion for marine conservation drives her love for sustainable beauty and living.

ROCHELLE BREEDT
RETAIL AND STALLS COORDINATOR

CHRISTINA STUDIED GEOGRAPHY & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, THEN QUALIFIED AS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AND WORKED IN VARIOUS UK PUBLIC SECTOR AUDIT ROLES.  SHE HAS ALWAYS HAD A LOVE OF NATURE AND HER PASSION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GREW AFTER MOVING TO THE UAE AND STARTING A FAMILY.  SHE ENJOYS RESEARCHING HOW ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS ARE WORKING TO ADDRESS INCREASINGLY GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES AND IS DELIGHTED TO GIVE HER TIME TO HELP AZRAQ RAISE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MARINE CONSERVATION.

CHRISTINA STUDIED GEOGRAPHY & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, THEN QUALIFIED AS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AND WORKED IN VARIOUS UK PUBLIC SECTOR AUDIT ROLES.  SHE HAS ALWAYS HAD A LOVE OF NATURE AND HER PASSION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GREW AFTER MOVING TO THE UAE AND STARTING A FAMILY.  SHE ENJOYS RESEARCHING HOW ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS ARE WORKING TO ADDRESS INCREASINGLY GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES AND IS DELIGHTED TO GIVE HER TIME TO HELP AZRAQ RAISE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MARINE CONSERVATION.

Christina Rainbow
Partnerships & Sponsorships Coordinator

ABIGAIL IS A fresh graduate with a degree in Animal behaviour. HER time in university was spent in researching the effects of pollution on the environment and how this affects the fauna and flora in the area. SHE IS excited to promote the message of conserving and protecting the marine ecosystem and species by being a part of Azraq.

ABIGAIL IS A fresh graduate with a degree in Animal behaviour. HER time in university was spent in researching the effects of pollution on the environment and how this affects the fauna and flora in the area. SHE IS excited to promote the message of conserving and protecting the marine ecosystem and species by being a part of Azraq.

ABIGAIL D’MELLO
EVENTS AND RETAIL COORDINATOR

AZALEA holdS a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Franklin University, Switzerland. SHE haS a passion for travel, which has fueled her interest in environmental sustainability and conservation. her internship with Emirates Nature-WWF further encouraged AZALEA to pursue a career in the field of marine biology and ecological conservation.

AZALEA holdS a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Franklin University, Switzerland. SHE haS a passion for travel, which has fueled her interest in environmental sustainability and conservation. her internship with Emirates Nature-WWF further encouraged AZALEA to pursue a career in the field of marine biology and ecological conservation.

AZALEA WATFA
EDUCATION MANAGER