Researchers

Arturo Ramírez is a marine conservation biologist dedicated to the study and protection of coastal ecosystems in Baja California Peninsula and the Gulf of California. With a background in rocky intertidal, rocky reef, and kelp forest ecosystems, Arturo integrates field-based science with community engagement and conservation strategy. Arturo is also deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His work bridges ecological research and education, with a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of marine scientists.

Arturo earned his Ph.D. from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, where he investigated how the U.S.–Mexico border shapes our understanding and management of shared marine resources. This binational perspective continues to inform his research, conservation initiatives, and collaborations.

He currently serves as a Research Associate at Fauna del Noroeste (Fauno) and is the lead researcher of the Giant Sea Bass Project, a binational research and conservation initiative focused on Stereolepis gigas, the largest bony reef fish found in Mexican and Californian waters. He is also an active collaborator with the Western Flyer Foundation, assisting with the acquisition of Mexican research permits and contributing to the development of technical documentation that supports marine scientific investigations. He is honored to be part of the Western Flyer’s crew as Scientist for Leg 4 of its historic return voyage to the Gulf of California.

Arturo previously served as a Research Professor at CIAD Guaymas and as an Associate Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, where he collaborated to develop research programs and taught and mentored students in marine ecology and conservation. He has extensive experience collaborating with non-profit organizations, developing research programs, and conservation efforts. Arturo’s work has been recognized with the Mexican Oceanography Award and the National Ichthyology Award for his research on the marine biogeographic regionalization of the Baja California Peninsula. He is also a recipient of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund grant for his cross-border research on giant sea bass populations.