Rafaela Santos

Brazilian oceanographer leading coral reef restoration in the Amazon Reef discovery area

Rafaela Santos (b. 1990) is a pioneering Brazilian marine scientist whose work has transformed conservation efforts in the newly discovered Amazon Reef (2016). As lead researcher at the Amazon Reef Conservation Consortium, she developed the first successful coral transplantation techniques in murky fresh-saltwater mixing zones. Her 2022 breakthrough - using 3D-printed bio-ceramic structures to mimic coral habitats - has increased polyp survival rates from 12% to 68% in restoration projects. Santos' advocacy led to Brazil's 2023 Amazon Reef Protection Act, creating the world's largest marine protected area spanning 93,000 km². A vocal climate justice advocate, she co-founded Marine Matters, an NGO training indigenous communities in reef monitoring. Her research published in Nature Sustainability has become essential reading for coastal conservation programs globally. Recently honored with the Goldman Environmental Prize (2024), Santos continues to bridge science and policy for Amazon Basin ecosystems.