Renowned for his work with marine and estuarine ecology with a focus on ecosystem restoration and management, Dr. Mark Fonseca joined CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) in 2012 after over 30 years with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He has conducted research throughout the world and is considered to be one of the world’s leading subject matter experts when it comes to the restoration of seagrass and other coastal ecosystems.

Prof. Carlos Duarte is arguably the most versatile aquatic ecologist of his generation; his work takes him from the tropics to polar ecosystems, from macrophytes to microbes, from coastal systems to open ocean gyres. The versatility of his research has made him one of the world’s leading authorities on multiple branches of biological oceanography and marine ecology.

Vinicius Lindoso works as Communications Officer at UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, where he manages digital and print communication projects to promote international scientific cooperation in the ocean sciences, and raise awareness around environmental protection.

He has a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, and a double Bachelor Degree from Yale University in Global Affairs and French Studies. Vinicius is Brazilian by nationality, and has previously worked for the Brazilian Permanent Mission to the United Nations. With a strong interest and academic background in conflict-resolution, Vinicius also has previous experience working with civil society organizations in the Western Balkans on issues related to post-conflict education and state-building.