ABOUT CARIBBEAN REEF BUDDY

Caribbean Reef Buddy (CRB) was established in 2014, and became a registered NGO in 2015. The two main drivers were firstly to promote tourism to the beautiful island of Carriacou, and secondly through education, to demonstrate the importance of our marine ecosystem and the things we can do to help it.

Over the years, through a combination of grant funded projects and self-funded activity supported by our summer ‘Volunteer Program’, CRB has been able to establish a pilot nursery which has had excellent results over the past 5 years.

We have focused heavily on marine conservation and citizen science with the collection of robust data on reef health using Coral Watch, and overall biodiversity through Reef Check surveys. This focus on monitoring the productive reef systems was accompanied by the systematic containment of invasive lionfish. However, over time the requirements of the ecosystem have changed.

Lionfish have become part of the food-chain and their numbers are no longer as prolific as they once were. Now that we have sufficient data and an in-depth understanding of ecosystem dynamics in Carriacou waters, we are switching focus to more active engagement.

Our Vision is to become a regional center for coral conservation education.

Meet The Reef Buddy Team

Gary

Program Director & Instructor

Gary is a co-founder of CRB with financial and conservation expertise. He’s a Chartered Accountant and holds an MBA. He emphasizes the need for financially sustainable conservation projects for lasting impact. He’s a skilled PADI and SSI Master Instructor, mentoring students happily. He’s committed to marine conservation in Carriacou.

Nora

Instructor

Nora arrived in Carriacou in 2018, initially as a volunteer. She developed a strong attachment to the island and its wildlife, leading her to settle there permanently. Nora is a diving instructor with Deefer Diving, focusing on Fish ID. She’s acclaimed for being the island’s top lionfish ceviche chef, and an exceptional spotter of seahorses and macro life. If you’re seeking seahorses, Nora is your go-to person.

Micaela

Marine Biologist & Instructor

Micaela has an MSc in Marine Biology from the University of Kent, having studied her BSc in Vertebrate Zoology at Bangor. She has experience working with the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research center in Honduras, as well as with IUCN.

Micaela is both a PADI and SSI instructor with a passion for coral reef regeneration

Racqs

Administration Director

Racqs looks after the whole logistics and running of the operation and makes things tick. Somehow she manages to keep track of everything that needs to happen and everything that’s going on too.

Before CRB Racqs worked as an accountant within construction in St Lucia.

Itay

Instructor

Itay joined us from the Whale Shark & Oceanic Research station in Honduras having recently become a PADI and SSI Instructor. Previously he has worked in Nusa Penida, Indonesia as a research assistant and dive master.

Prior to becoming a professional diver, Itay enjoyed a career in IT and an ERP Project Manager.

Nasio

Boat Skipper

Nas joined the team in June 2023 as our diligent boat skipper.

Nas loves the ocean and everything in it, his passion and curiosity for the underwater world will definitely rub off on anyone he interacts with.