Joe Oliver​

 

Joe Oliver is the Director of Restoration Operations at Coral Vita, a pioneering organization dedicated to revitalizing the world's coral reefs. With over two decades of experience in marine biology, aquaculture, and marine husbandry, Joe has been instrumental in advancing Coral Vita's mission to restore degraded reefs and enhance their resilience against climate change.

 

A Wilmington, North Carolina native, Joe's passion for marine life began early, inspired by his birthplace during Hurricane Diana. He earned a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), where he also contributed to coral aquaculture research at the Center for Marine Science. Joe's professional journey includes leadership roles such as Head of Husbandry at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, Head of Marine Operations at Underwater World Guam, and Marine Park Ranger for the Saba Conservation Foundation, where he managed the Saba Bank Marine Park's 2,200 square kilometers. 

 

At Coral Vita, Joe oversees the implementation of innovative coral restoration techniques, including microfragmentation and assisted evolution, to accelerate coral growth and enhance their survival in warming and acidifying oceans. His team's efforts have contributed to the organization's recognition as a winner of the 2021 Earthshot Prize, a prestigious environmental award established by the Royal Foundation. 

 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Joe is an advocate for community engagement in marine conservation, emphasizing the importance of education and local involvement in restoration projects. His diverse interests include cooking, jewelry making, gardening, soccer, and rugby. 

 

Joe's dedication to marine conservation continues to inspire efforts to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems globally.

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