Michael Markovina

Designed and deployed proprietary field assurance frameworks (Patrol Ready and Ground Truth) for continuous, data-driven remote compliance auditing and mission intelligence monitoring for MPA funders and regional authorities.

Qualified Class 3 vessel coxswain and incident commander for marine emergency response, making life-critical operational decisions across the Kleinmond/Bettys Bay area. Design and deliver scenario-based crew training and competency assessments, maintaining full station readiness and safety standards.

Selected to the UN FAO consultant roster for the Aquaculture and Fisheries Division, engaged in fisheries science, MCS, and conservation technology mandates through 2028.

Led a regional MCS harmonisation feasibility assessment across 6 EA-SA-IO member states, resulting in 2 technical reports adopted at IOC level. Conducted cost-effectiveness analysis of Joint Fisheries Surveillance Missions and emerging technology integration, and presented findings to ministerial delegates and the EU diplomatic delegation.

Designed and directed a full marine conservation programme for a 4,100 km² MPA from zero operational baseline, integrating maritime law enforcement, fisheries research, and community engagement. Achieved a 100% increase in IUU interception rates with 127 vessel interceptions across 2,000 nautical miles by commanding 80 at-sea patrol missions and integrating EarthRanger and Skylight satellite data.

Directed a 7-grant concurrent portfolio exceeding $3M, with full reporting, budget oversight, and programme delivery accountability. Accomplished national fisheries policy reform by co-developing the evidence base for Tanzania's first National Plan of Action for Sharks and Rays, and designed and deployed Tanzania's first smartphone-based shark and ray data collection system.

Led a multi-site BRUV survey programme assessing temperate reef fish assemblages across South African MPAs, managing field operations, data collection, statistical analysis, and technical reporting. Facilitated participatory workshops with small-scale fishing communities and trained field teams in BRUV methodology.

Designed and implemented MCS operational programmes across 5 countries and 4 major water bodies, coordinating cross-border fisheries enforcement collaboration and training. Trained 200+ fisheries officers across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia, and was instrumental in establishing Tanzania's Multi-Agency Task Team.

Founded a scientific NPO and executed a 4-country baseline coral reef fish biodiversity survey using diver-operated stereo video, self-funded from inception. Managed all programme finances, logistics, and vessel operations, and restructured the expedition following a critical vessel emergency while preserving data integrity.

Established marine patrol protocols and vessel operations for a newly designated MPA, trained local vessel pilots in MCS procedures, and conducted IUU fishing vessel boarding and inspection on 27 vessels as part of joint government-NGO enforcement operations.

Master of Science in Ichthyology and Fisheries Science from Rhodes University, with a thesis on cryopreservation of sole sperm for aquaculture gamete spawning synchronisation.

Grade: Cum Laude

BSc Honours (Cum Laude) in Ichthyology and Fisheries Science from Rhodes University.

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Zoology from the University of Cape Town.