GRETCHEN GOODBODY-GRINGLEY
Director of Research
Gretchen dived on coral reefs around the world to study how they function and survive over time, including all over the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean. She is passionate about diving and has continued to push the boundaries of what can be achieved underwater. As one of only a handful of women working at extreme depths on closed-circuit rebreathers, she was able to access sites that have never been seen before by anyone else. It’s the excitement and adventure – being on the reef and the first person to be there, to see the coral or fish – that keeps her going. Gretchen joined Marine Impact because she holds the keys to a world that so many people are anxious to be involved in and MI allows her to give them that opportunity. She has always wanted to combine research with adventure, and in her current role at CCMI, she can show that path to the next generation and hopefully give them an experience that will be life changing. When asked about her favorite animal, she would be compelled to say first that her favorite animal is a coral, because she has devoted her life to studying them and protecting them. But in reality, her favorite animal is a sea turtle. She has always been fascinated with these ancient creatures and loves to watch them gracefully swim through the water.
JASON KIPLING
Volunteer Manager Zanzibar
Jason has been working in the conservation and conservation tourism industry for fourteen years (with a short break whilst he was in the military), working in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, UK and now Zanzibar. Growing up on the coast in Cape Town Jason developed a deep love for the ocean and all things Marine. Over the past few years he has dedicated his passion and knowledge to land based conservation, and he felt that it was time for him to move on and start making a meaningful impact on our marine environments. Jason doesn’t like the idea of having a single favourite animal, because he believes that all animals are so unique and interesting in their own ways, and have their own vital roles that they play within an ecosystem.
GREG BOWS
Director
Greg has been working in responsible tourism and business all his life, and creating amazing experiences that do good is what really excites him. He helped found African Impact, Roots Internships, and Africa & You. He also helped develop a honey growing project in Ghana which supports over 100 families growing and exporting honey to the USA. Greg loves the ocean, and really feels volunteering can help solve some of the many challenges our oceans face. Meeting the team and traveling to see the potential projects really inspired him to make Marine Impact a reality. If asked what his favorite animal is, Greg would normally say it’s the honey badger for its tenacity and confidence. While Greg’s favorite ocean animal is the Orca – he finds it amazingly clever and adaptive. According to him, Orcas work alone or in teams, and are incredibly beautiful animals.
