Hayley Versace
On-site Manager & Project Co-Originator
Working with CICI since its conception, Hayley is a driving force behind the scenes forging partnerships, designing programs and developing community engagement programs for CICI. A marine biologist & zoologist, passionate photographer and videographer and diving instructor, Hayley has worked her way around the world through out her 20 year career in various marine based roles.
Melissa Staines
Scientific Advisor - Turtles
Melissa is an Australian marine biologist and PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, currently focusing her research on the effects of climate change on the sex ratios of sea turtle populations across Asia-Pacific. Despite being an early career researcher, Melissa has already worked with four different sea turtle species across within her first 5 years of experience. Her PhD is supported by the World-Wide Fund for Nature Australia and their collaborations with monitoring groups across the Asia-Pacific and in affiliation with SPREP and the Marine Research Foundation Sabah. Part of her PhD research is looking at the importance of rainfall in mitigating against increasing temperatures and subsequent feminisation of the sea turtle population, whereby the Conflict Islands has become a critically important research site. As a Scientific Advisor, Melissa has also contributed to the research and conservations practices used by the rangers of CICI and inform on relevant mitigation strategies to increase hatching success and balanced sex-ratios in clutches.
Steven Amos
Head Community Conservation Ranger
Steven has worked for CICI since it started the Turtle Monitoring Program. Showing great initiative, a passion for learning and natural leadership Steven progressed over the years to become the Head Ranger.
His passion for conservation and the protection of the natural environment and enthusiasm to learn in detail has lead him to be a vital member of the team, caring for his "babies", the turtles as he would his own family, making him an invaluable leader and an inspiration to all he meets.