Joe Oliver

Hailing from Wilmington, North Carolina and being born in the middle of Hurricane Diana, it seems Joe was destined to become a marine biologist. From an early age a fascination with marine organisms and ecosystems drove Joe to pursue a career in marine science that has taken him across the globe. After obtaining his B.S. in Marine Biology from UNCW, Joe began applying his experience as a lifelong aquarist to the study and aquaculture of corals along with research systems and display aquariums at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science. This led him to take a position as the Head of Husbandry for the Curacao Sea Aquarium, where he spearheaded both a policy shift for the facility’s captive husbandry and a major emphasis on education alongside coral and mangrove restoration. He served as the Head of Marine Operations and Live Coral Systems for Underwater World Guam, followed by as Marine Park Ranger for the Saba Conservation Foundation. There, he helped oversee the 2200 square kilometer Saba Bank undersea platform. Although most of Joe’s activities revolve around water, he also has a lifelong love of cooking, jewelry making, gardening, soccer (Vamo River Plate!), and rugby (Hurricanes and Ireland).