Schannel van Dijken

Schannel van Dijken is the marine program manager of CI’s Pacific Islands Program, based out of Samoa. In this role, he participated in the Marine Rapid Assessment Programs (RAPs) in New Caledonia, identifying a new species of fish and coral not previously recorded in those waters. In 2012, Schannel voyaged on a traditional Polynesian sailing canoe for four months around the Pacific Ocean, raising awareness about ocean conservation issues. Growing up in New Zealand, he earned his Master’s of Science degree from the University of Auckland. Before joining CI, he worked at the university as a senior marine biology field, laboratory, research and teaching technician. Schannel lives in Samoa with his partner Mia and their son, Jax. In his free time, he enjoys being outside, doing all kinds of activities from surfing and snorkeling to skiing and snowboarding to rugby and volleyball.