Ian
Ian is the Manager of MarineFauna Inc. He is in charge for the entire operation. Ian studied marine biology at the University of San Carlos (Cebu) and graduated March 2004. His thesis was on "NH4 uptake of Gracilariposis heteroclada and Caulerpa lentillifera". He is a dedicated biologist, a fast learner, a cool character and a "fearless" diver… even if the computer demands decompression stops… he still concentrates exclusively on the well being of collected animals…neglecting himself and the beeping computer! But even as a Filipino, the skin shows the same rushes after naughty jellyfish stings like German skin.


Gina
Gina is the super active secretary… always involved, very fast and fighting daily with the computer hard- and software… in particular with the EXCEL format for the invoices. Her supervision is not only limited to invoices or bills… she can prepare a decent meal of local specialties for the entire staff. And if a surprise arrival of 1000 cleaner shrimps calls for many hands she will not step back. In a few words: a valuable addition to the team!


Gilbert
He is the assistant facility manager and teams up with Tata regarding all fish well being matters. Gilbert learned the species names and their requirements MarineFauna is dealing with very fast and started SCUBA diving already. He "loves" his job particularly Saturdays, when electricity fails and the generator needs to be started, the pumps primed…instead of watching the local basketball competition or joining his friends.


Tata
Tata is the passionate all-round talent of MarineFauna Inc. tasked to manage and maintain the facility. He is responsible for supporting the best health of organisms, including feeding and providing a second habitat which he is doing with loving care. Always ready to sacrifice a well deserved day-off for a late announced arrival of organisms. He is a skilled skin diver and completes last minute orders for invertebrates with a high level of professionalism


Bernito
Bernito is in charge of RED BULL, a 55 ft outrigger boat which serves to visit our collectors. He is one of the few Boat Captains who still knows the techniques of splicing, knotting and improvising to ensure safe traveling on open seas. Whatever problem comes up…burning engine at sea, nasty steep waves crossing, busted fan belt of the compressor, grounded wires…the Captain will fix it….somehow. Bernito has the nose for the time when to keep the boat docked….He is a certified Open Water Diver since 1997 and very skilled to catch special tricky fishes such as Hector's Gobi and Pseudanthias tuka.


Allan
Allan is the boatman and teaming up with Bernito. Together they have maneuvered the RED BULL through rough seas already. There is a rare kind of blind understanding between the two: no word is needed to complete difficult docking actions. Allan is specialized in catching "last minute" organisms to comply the order as close as possible. It's hardly possible to see him resting while shipment days…


Aling
Aling is Bernito's better half orchestrating the order distribution at Olango Island according to the abilities and the equipment of the fisher folk. Both Aling and Bernito are with us since the early days of coral farming in 1997 under a project of the University of San Carlos (USC).


Thelma
There is no doubt about who is the silent angel in MarineFauna: Thelma. She is in charge of the household and doing all chores with a quick hand. The staff enjoys her crispy fish frying dishes frequently. Thelma further helps to unpack and acclimatize fish shipped by plane from other provinces.


Tom
Tom obtained a PhD in Marine Biology after studying in Heidelberg and Kiel, Germany. During three years post-doc he worked worldwide on jellyfish with focus on their stinging capacity and authored a book. Under a German government program he held 6 years the position of a Professor for Marine Biology at the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines. Aside from teaching he studied biodiversity of corals and coordinated coastal resource management projects such as the coral farming and reef rehabilitation. Before switching to business he was assigned as consultant to support the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) and their mandate to improve the marine ornamental trade. This project was funded through a Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) between the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and FLORA 2000. Diving since 1974 he is a PADI- Instructor/EFR Instructor and has certified fisher folks in the use of surface supplied air systems.


Packing Women
This is the image of our reliable, skilful, hard working, never resting MarineFauna Inc. backbone. Even long export nights (we pack always as close as possible to the cut off time of the airlines minimizing transport time of fish) with unexpected brown outs, heavy rains, gusty winds, close to deliver pregnancy stages, etc. can not brake the positive attitude of our packing women. The essence from this encouraging experience is: more power to women!!!


Zorro
Zorro is the armed guard (refer to the sharp teeth!!!) of MarineFauna Inc... Rescued from a local "pure German Shepherd blood breeder's" cage and exclusive rice diet, he was introduced to the free world without bars and mixed Filipino-German cuisine. He started his job at MarineFauna Inc. early in 2003 and learned instantly to defend the marine ornamental fish of the facility against intruding cats with passion and success. Or was it less the fish and just the pleasure to chase the cats?? However, quite a considerable share of the company's operational costs is passing through his incredible expandable intestines….

One more thing: do not visit us without appointment... Zorro makes no difference between cats and unannounced visitors!