Researchers

I am a marine ecologist interested in the marine coastal vegetated ecosystems. My research interests focus on the ecology of seagrasses and benthic macroalgae, particularly on their physiology and capacity to cope with human-induced pressures and climate change. These organisms are of special interest since they provide important services to the ecosystem, such as water purification, oxygenation and sediment stabilization. They also benefit the associated ecosystem by providing optimal conditions for nursery and refuge for species such as clams, oysters and fishes with significant economic interest. The benthic marine ecosystems in the Sonora Desert area, particularly in the Baja California coast, are of major interest since they occupy a quite singular environment and help supporting the clam and oyster industry , which is one of the most important socio-economic activities in the area. There is an urgent need to understand the capacity of the benthic seagrasses and macroalgae from Baja California to cope with climate and human-induced pressures and evaluate the repercussions for local communities and economic activities. Education and involvement of local communities is crucial to preserve these ecosystems.