The Team

Meet the people
behind the reef.

Marine biologists, engineers, and operators turning ocean science into infrastructure that restores biodiversity and strengthens coastal resilience.

CEO & Founder

Marina Colvee

Marina Colvee is a marine scientist and the driving force behind The Marine Lab. With a degree in Marine Biology and a Master's in Environmental Management, Marina combines deep scientific expertise with a passion for innovation and sustainability. Her journey into eco-engineering began during her postgraduate research, where she explored how science-led design could modify and enhance marine habitats in Sydney Harbour. It was through this work that she discovered the transformative potential of eco-engineered structures to restore biodiversity and reimagine the way we interact with coastal environments.

Marina has also contributed to several sustainable fisheries projects in Australia, giving her a practical understanding of the balance between environmental conservation and human activity. With a growing global need for coastal protection, habitat restoration, and biodiversity enhancement, Marina founded The Marine Lab to lead the charge in regenerative ocean infrastructure. Under her leadership, the company is committed to turning science into scalable solutions that heal marine ecosystems and inspire long-term resilience in our oceans.

Science Director

Denise Debrot

Dr. Denise Debrot is a dedicated marine biologist and researcher with a PhD in Biological Sciences, specializing in small-scale fisheries and ecosystem-based management. With deep expertise that goes from coral reef systems in South America to conservation-focused fisheries in the Caribbean, Denise brings a global perspective to The Marine Lab's scientific leadership. Her work bridges the gap between field-based ecological research and real-world application, with a strong emphasis on designing, developing, and monitoring science-based solutions that are sustainable over the long term.

Her ability to translate complex ecological processes into practical design decisions ensures that every project The Marine Lab undertakes is ecologically sound and aligned with our mission to restore marine environments. As Head of Science, Denise leads our scientific vision ensuring our solutions not only meet, but exceed, both ecological and client expectations.

Chief Operations & Strategy

Sebastián Rodriguez

Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez is an experienced marine ecologist with a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong background in coral reef research and ecosystem restoration across the Caribbean. At The Marine Lab, he serves as Chief of Operations & Strategy, where he drives the translation of scientific insight into actionable, scalable marine restoration projects. With a career rooted in understanding the complexities of underwater environments, Sebastian brings critical knowledge of ecosystem dynamics, site-specific challenges, and habitat resilience.

He has led numerous interdisciplinary projects focused on coral reef conservation, giving him deep operational experience in marine fieldwork, logistics, and implementation. In his role, Sebastian ensures that every project, from initial scoping to deployment and post-installation monitoring , is delivered with precision and purpose. He also plays a central role in strategic planning, helping guide The Marine Lab's growth into new markets, technologies, and partnerships, while maintaining the integrity of our mission.

Head of Engineering

Pablo Colvee

Pablo Colvee is a seasoned civil engineer with a Master's in Structural Design and a strong track record delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across the United States. With years of experience designing bridges, roads, and complex civil works for multinational companies, Pablo brings a precision-engineering mindset to The Marine Lab's mission of ocean restoration. As Head of Engineering, Pablo leads the development of robust, long-lasting marine structures that are both ecologically beneficial and structurally sound.

He plays a critical role in adapting civil engineering principles to the underwater environment ensuring our designs withstand the unique coastal and hydrodynamic challenges of each location. From design through fabrication to final installation, Pablo oversees every stage of the engineering process. His focus on quality, resilience, and long-term performance ensures that our eco-engineered structures not only meet the technical demands of coastal infrastructure but also succeed in supporting thriving marine ecosystems for years to come.

Marketing Director

Jaime Vives

Jaime Vives is a creative force with a passion for visual storytelling and purpose-driven branding. With a background in filmmaking and digital marketing, Jaime has collaborated with global brands like Sony, Adidas, and Asics, crafting compelling campaigns that blend aesthetic excellence with strategic impact. As Marketing Director at The Marine Lab, Jaime leads the creative vision behind how we communicate our mission, transforming complex scientific ideas into accessible, engaging, and visually powerful narratives.

He brings deep expertise in storytelling, digital content creation, and graphic design to showcase our projects and partnerships in ways that resonate across industries and audiences. Jaime has also worked closely with environmental and First Nations-led initiatives in Australia, helping amplify their voices and grow their influence. His ability to authentically connect audiences to meaningful causes makes him a vital part of The Marine Lab's leadership team.

Head of Business Development

Berta Acero

Berta Acero brings a powerful blend of global business acumen and passion for ocean conservation to her role as Head of Business Development at The Marine Lab. With a degree in International Business and an MBA from California State University, Berta is a strategic thinker who translates vision into opportunity across international markets. Berta has built a successful career as an export manager and business developer for internationally renowned wineries in Spain.

Her deep understanding of global trade, brand positioning, and client relationship management gives her a unique edge in driving The Marine Lab's growth. Today, Berta helps with the expansion of our mission into new regions and sectors, forging partnerships with like-minded organizations that value sustainability, innovation, and environmental impact.

Meet the peoplebehind the reef.