Dr. Addiel Perez | Conservation and Management | Best Researcher Award

Belize-Mexico Program Manager, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Belize

Dr. Addiel U. Perez is a Belizean interdisciplinary scientist with over 20 years of experience in socio-ecological research, education, conservation, and fisheries management. His work primarily focuses on Belize and southern Mexico, particularly on coastal communities. He has worked extensively on projects like the recreational-sport fishing of Belize and bonefish migration patterns. Dr. Perez has established strong collaborations with scientists, business owners, fishers, guides, co-managers, NGOs, and governmental departments across Belize, Mexico, and the wider region. His contributions include interdisciplinary studies aimed at improving conservation strategies and sustainable management of fisheries and protected areas. He is dedicated to advancing socio-ecological approaches to conservation with a focus on community engagement and stakeholder collaboration.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Perez holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Sustainable Development with an emphasis on Biodiversity Conservation from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (2019). He also earned a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Rural Development with a specialization in Management and Conservation of Natural Resources (2012) from the same institution. His Bachelor’s degree in Biology was completed at the University of Belize (2005). His academic background is bolstered by advanced seminars in ecology, conservation genetics, statistical methods, and coastal ecosystem management. He has two theses that explore fish migration and recreational fishing in Belize. His interdisciplinary education combines natural and social sciences, providing a broad foundation for his research and conservation work in the region.

💼 Experience

Dr. Perez is currently the Belize-Mexico Program Manager at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, where he manages socio-ecological research and develops strategic plans for fisheries and conservation management. He has worked with stakeholders across 28 coastal communities in Belize and Mexico, focusing on flats fisheries and the health of coastal habitats. He previously served as a researcher at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, where he investigated the connectivity of bonefish migration between Mexico and Belize. He has also held roles such as Standards Development Officer at the Belize Tourism Board, Research Assistant at ECOSUR, and Manager/Biologist at the Belize Fisheries Department. His diverse career has involved interdisciplinary methods, community engagement, and strategic planning for sustainable resource management.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Perez has received several prestigious honors and awards throughout his career. These include recognition from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, where he has led key strategic initiatives. He also contributed to the development of a regional strategic plan for flats fishery conservation in Belize and Mexico. His work on socio-environmental assessments has been critical in shaping policy decisions in both countries. Notable achievements include presenting his research at regional conferences and leading groundbreaking studies on bonefish migration. He has been instrumental in founding the Belize Flats Fishery Association, furthering efforts for improved conservation and management practices in the region.

🔬 Research Focus

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