Bávaro, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
I am a marine biologist working at the intersection of coral reef restoration, aquaculture, and marine conservation. My career has taken me from research environments and aquaculture production systems to hands-on fieldwork focused on restoring and protecting marine ecosystems. I have experience working with marine species production, larval rearing, and recirculating aquaculture systems, as well as coral nursery maintenance and reef restoration projects in the Caribbean. I enjoy combining scientific knowledge with practical work in the water — whether managing culture systems, analyzing data, or deploying and maintaining coral structures offshore. I have always been driven by the idea of working for the ocean, contributing in any way possible to its conservation, restoration, and sustainable use. For me, marine science is not only a profession but a long-term commitment to the ecosystems that inspire my work. I value teamwork, practical problem solving, and continuous learning from both science and field experience, and I am always open to collaborating with researchers, conservation organizations, and aquaculture initiatives working toward healthier oceans.
- Marine biologist specializing in coral reef restoration and applied marine conservation in the Caribbean. - Technical management of in situ and ex situ coral nurseries, including system design, operation, and performance optimization. - Implementation of structured environmental awareness and science-based outreach activities for tourists, promoting coral reef conservation and responsible marine practices. - Implementation of coral propagation, conditioning, and maintenance protocols to enhance survival and growth rates. - Management of advanced coral husbandry systems tailored to high physiological demand species, with a focus on system stability and biological performance. - Collection and analysis of biological and environmental data to support adaptive management strategies. - Execution of fieldwork activities, including underwater monitoring and nursery maintenance. - Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, NGOs, and local stakeholders on reef restoration initiatives.
🔹 Advanced Broodstock Management Assist in leading the care and performance optimization of Pike Perch and Perch broodstock, ensuring peak health, conditioning, and reproductive output across cycles. 🔹 Reproductive Performance Optimization Design and implement data-driven strategies to enhance egg quality, fertilization rates, and overall spawning success. 🔹 Hatchery System Oversight Oversee incubation and hatching systems, maintaining optimal environmental conditions and responding to deviations in real time. 🔹 Larval Rearing & Transition Help the transition of newly hatched larvae to nursery systems with a strong focus on survival rates, early growth, and system adaptation. 🔹 Operational Data Analysis Analyze hatchery and broodstock data to identify trends, improve reproductive performance, and support continuous process improvement. 🔹 Cross-functional Team Collaboration Work closely with multidisciplinary teams on spawning protocols, biosecurity measures, and RAS system maintenance. 🔹 Sustainable Aquaculture Practices Committed to eco-efficient production within Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), supporting responsible and sustainable fish farming.
🔹Broodstock Management: Oversee the health, conditioning, and spawning of Pike Perch and Perch broodstock. 🔹Reproductive Optimization: Implement strategies to maximize egg quality, fertilization rates, and spawning success. 🔹Hatchery Operations: Monitor and maintain optimal conditions for egg incubation and hatching. 🔹Larvae Transition: Ensure smooth transfer of hatched larvae to the nursery phase, focusing on survival and growth. 🔹Data Monitoring: Track broodstock performance and hatchery metrics to improve reproductive efficiency. 🔹Team Support: Collaborate with colleagues on spawning protocols and hatchery system maintenance. Sustainability Practices: Operate within a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) to ensure efficient and eco-friendly production.
- Juvenile Rearing: Manage the growth and health of fish beyond the larval stage, ensuring they reach sizes greater than 5 grams. - Feeding Protocols: Develop and implement tailored feeding schedules to optimize growth and minimize feed waste. - Water Quality Management: Monitor and maintain optimal water quality parameters to support fish health and growth. - Growth Monitoring: Regularly assess fish size, weight, and health to ensure consistent progress toward production targets. - System Maintenance: Operate and maintain nursery systems, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), to ensure efficiency and sustainability. - Health Management: Monitor for signs of disease or stress, applying preventive and corrective measures as needed. - Data Collection: Record and analyze growth performance and environmental conditions to improve operational efficiency. - Team Collaboration: Work closely with other aquaculture professionals to align with overall production goals.
- Training and Certification: Provided scuba diving instruction to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced divers, ensuring safety and skill development. - Guided Dives: Led recreational dives, showcasing Thailand's underwater ecosystems while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for clients. - Equipment Management: Maintained and prepared diving equipment, ensuring functionality and safety for all diving activities. - Customer Engagement: Fostered a positive rapport with clients, promoting marine conservation awareness and encouraging repeat business.
- Objective: Long-term monitoring of biological and environmental parameters to assess conservation status and manage ecological threats, focusing on National Parks with marine communities. Monitoring Scope: - Genetic, ecological, and environmental data collection from invaded (alien seaweed) and non-invaded communities. - Initiated genetic monitoring using metabarcoding in Cabrera and Islas Cíes in 2014, expanding in 2015 to include communities invaded by alien seaweeds. - Traditional algal surveillance began in 2005, with continuous temperature recordings since 2007. Key Activities (2018-2020): - Continued multi-approach monitoring to address temperature anomalies. Introduced ichthyofauna surveillance using environmental DNA (eDNA). - Conducted abundance censuses for key herbivore species. Research and Impact: - Modeled the interplay of biotic (competition, herbivory) and abiotic (temperature, physical community characteristics) factors in expanding invasive seaweeds. - Provided actionable insights for Park authorities to predict and manage ecological changes caused by invasive species and global warming.
- Sales Expert in Diving Equipment: Advised clients on selecting appropriate scuba gear, driving sales and ensuring customer satisfaction with tailored recommendations. - Dive Center Management: Oversaw daily operations, including scheduling, inventory management, and client coordination, ensuring smooth and efficient center functionality. - Course Assistance: Supported certified instructors in conducting diving courses, focusing on safety protocols, student supervision, and hands-on demonstrations.