Maria Fernanda Gomez

Colombian marine biologist who pioneered coral restoration in the Caribbean Sea

Maria Fernanda Gomez is a marine scientist leading Colombia's efforts to revive coral reefs devastated by climate change. Her Coral Colombia project has restored over 200 hectares of reef systems using innovative 3D-printed coral structures. These artificial substrates mimic natural coral growth patterns, accelerating recovery rates by 400% compared to traditional methods.

Her breakthrough came in 2016 with the development of the "Coral Nursery Network," a decentralized system where local fishers maintain coral fragments in floating nurseries. This approach provides alternative income streams while directly involving coastal communities in conservation. Over 3,000 fishers now participate in the program, creating a sustainable model that addresses both ecological and economic challenges.

Gomez's work has attracted international attention through partnerships with NOAA and the World Wildlife Fund. Her coral monitoring app CoralWatcher has been adopted in 12 Caribbean nations. In 2021, she led the first successful coral transplantation between Colombian and Panamanian reefs, demonstrating transnational cooperation in marine conservation. Despite her technical expertise, Gomez emphasizes community engagement, spending 60% of her time training local leaders in reef management techniques.