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Introductory Paragraph on Ocean World of Sound / Michelle’s Earth Foundation

Ocean World of Sound (OWS), supported by Michelle’s Earth Foundation, is a pioneering initiative dedicated to marine conservation through Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). Established to monitor the Mesoamerican Reef, OWS focuses on analyzing underwater soundscapes to understand ecosystem health and biodiversity. The program bridges science and community by promoting education, outreach, and citizen science, making acoustic monitoring accessible to low-resource coastal communities. With listening stations across the Mexican Caribbean and partnerships under the UN Ocean Decade, OWS combines research with arts and cultural engagement to foster global awareness and sustainable practices. Its mission is to create replicable, cost-effective models for reef conservation while inspiring collective action through sound-based environmental stewardship

The Project Team

Dr. Heather Spence

Team Leader

Director, Marine and Bioacoustics Programs, Michelle’s Earth Foundation, including founder and director of Ocean World of Sound team. MS in Marine Biology, PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience/Marine Bioacoustics. Expert in Marine Bioacoustics with 20 years of experience related to passive acoustic based research and development for monitoring a reef system. Also 20+ years of experience in research, capacity building, and teaching. Consultant to US and Mexican governments. Established the first passive acoustic monitoring program on the MesoAmerican Reef.

Ray Santisteban Avila

Program Coordinator

Mexican ocean researcher, certified divemaster, and freediver leading the Mesoamerican Reef’s first Passive Acoustic Monitoring Program: Ocean World of Sound. Since 2019, he has coordinated field operations, institutional partnerships, and citizen science efforts, using underwater soundscapes to advance reef science. With contributions to UNESCO publications and active participation in the UN Ocean Decade Program, he effectively conveys research outcomes, engages diverse stakeholders, and champions sustainable practices. Through collaboration, he inspires community involvement to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.

Dr. Claudia Padilla

Coral Scientist & Coral Restoration Expert

Senior Researcher at the CRIP Puerto Morelos of the Mexican National Fisheries Institute since 1997. Coordinator of the Coral Reef Restoration Program in Quintana Roo with the goal of producing 260,000 corals. Extensive teaching experience, as well as publication of books, manuals and articles.

Dr. Aaron Rice

Reef Bioacoustics Scientist and Analyst

Principal Ecologist, K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University. Faculty Fellow, Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University. Graduate Faculty, Graduate Field of Natural Resources, Cornell University. Expert in Marine Bioacoustics with 15 years at Cornell and extensive federal and nonfederal grants totalling ~$24.6M.

Andrea Luengas

Field Diver and Community Engagement Specialist

A multidisciplinary professional with a background in Marketing and master’s degrees in Advertising, Corporate Communication, and Project Management. A certified field diver and professional freediver, she merges strategy with a passion for the ocean. Her work bridges science, education, and communication, contributing to research, educational content, stakeholder engagement, training, and digital strategy to protect ocean soundscapes. She’s also participates in social programs that empower women in the Cancun Area, and is the co-founder of SOScenotes, a non-profit focused on environmental protection and awareness.

Jacob Rubio Molina

Field Specialist

A marine biologist with a Master’s in Marine Sciences (UNAM), specializes in fish otoliths eco-morphology, aquaculture, coral restoration, and coastal conservation. With 10 years experience, he led government projects (PROCODES, PROREST) for reef protection and ecological restoration. Proficient in coral propagation, underwater photogrammetry, and marine installations, he co-authored scientific publications on fish biodiversity. A certified PADI/SSI dive instructor, he trains reef restoration brigades and designs artificial reef systems. Currently, he merges fieldwork, education, and innovation to enhance coastal resilience in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

Additional advisors and team members:

M.S. José Arturo González González

Director of Cancun and Isla Mujeres MPA

With over a decade in resource management, he contributes his expertise in marine conservation. He focuses on safeguarding biodiversity, promoting sustainable tourism, and involving local communities in conservation efforts, playing a key role in preserving Cancun's marine ecosystems.

Arelly Blas

Mooring and Deployment Strategist

Architect, designer and tester of moorings housing the Ocean World of Sound, MEF, equipment. Additionally serves as field facilitator, assisting divers from the surface and ensuring safe and efficient field activities

Marcela Evia

Marine Biologist senior undergraduate, assists in literature reviews and research documentation and is in charge of social media and communications for Ocean World of Sound.

Regino Caballero

Expert in visual documentation, responsible for creating 3D models and visual documentation for Ocean World of Sound, MEF. Experienced in documentation of underwater activities for the past 5 years, certified drone pilot, and underwater camera operator

PAM: Ocean World of Sound

Reef Restoration with PAM