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
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
Dr. Perez’s research focuses on socio-ecological studies related to fisheries conservation, particularly the migration of bonefish (Albula spp.) between the Caribbean Sea and tropical estuaries. His work blends biological, ecological, social, and economic approaches to understand and improve fisheries management in Belize and Mexico. Key areas of his research include fishery system assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the development of strategic conservation plans. His interdisciplinary approach integrates natural and social sciences to enhance coastal community resilience, sustainable fisheries practices, and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Dr. Perez’s work aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders for better conservation outcomes in the region’s fishery sectors.
Conclusion
Dr. Addiel U. Perez is an exemplary researcher whose interdisciplinary approach has had a profound impact on fisheries and environmental management in Belize and Mexico. His extensive publication record, coupled with his practical contributions to conservation efforts and stakeholder engagement, make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Perez’s ability to bridge the gap between science, policy, and local communities sets him apart as a leader in the field of socio-ecological research. With continued efforts to expand his research’s reach and impact, Dr. Perez has the potential to further elevate the quality of coastal ecosystem management on an international scale.
Publication Top Notes
- Evaluation of the Flats Fishery to Formulate and Propose a Regional Strategic Plan to Improve Fisheries and Protected-Area Conservation and Management in the Yucatan Peninsula of Belize and Mexico
Fisheries Management and Ecology
Published: December 11, 2024
DOI: 10.1111/fme.12774
Contributors: Addiel U. Perez; Aaron Adams
- Stakeholder Engagement as a Core Component of Recreational Marine Fisheries Research, Education, and Conservation
Fisheries
Published: August 27, 2024
DOI: 10.1002/fsh.11166
Contributors: Aaron J. Adams; Ross Boucek; Justin P. Lewis; Steven M. Lombardo; Addiel U. Perez; JoEllen K. Wilson; Jacob W. Brownscombe; Lucas P. Griffin
- Understanding Pharmaceutical Exposure and the Potential for Effects in Marine Biota: A Survey of Bonefish (Albula vulpes) Across the Caribbean Basin
Chemosphere
Published: February 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140949
Contributors: N.A. Castillo; W.R. James; R.O. Santos; R. Rezek; D. Cerveny; R.E. Boucek; A.J. Adams; T. Goldberg; L. Campbell; A.U. Perez et al.
- Gill Microbiomes Accurately Predict the Geographic Origin of Bonefish (Albula vulpes) When Combined with Machine Learning Models
Environmental Biology of Fishes
Published: August 17, 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-023-01462-6
Contributors: Lewis J. Campbell; Nicholas A. Castillo; Christopher D. Dunn; Shimana M. Bose; Addiel U. Perez; Juan J. Schmitter-Soto; Sahar Mejri; Ross E. Boucek; Rolando Santos Corujo; Aaron J. Adams et al.
- Cascading Effects of Climate Change on Recreational Marine Flats Fishes and Fisheries
Environmental Biology of Fishes
Published: February 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-022-01333-6
Contributors: Andy Danylchuk; Lucas P. Griffin; Robert Ahrens; Mike Allen; Ross Boucek; Jacob Brownscombe; Grace A. Casselberry; Sascha Clark Danylchuk; Alex Filous; Tony Goldberg et al.
- Correction to: Cascading Effects of Climate Change on Recreational Marine Flats Fishes and Fisheries
Environmental Biology of Fishes
Published: February 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-022-01349-y
Contributors: Andy Danylchuk; Lucas P. Griffin; Robert Ahrens; Mike Allen; Ross Boucek; Jacob Brownscombe; Grace A. Casselberry; Sascha Clark Danylchuk; Alex Filous; Tony Goldberg et al.
- Correction to: Viruses of Atlantic Bonefish (Albula vulpes) in Florida and the Caribbean Show Geographic Patterns Consistent with Population Declines
Environmental Biology of Fishes
Published: February 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-022-01342-5
Contributors: Lewis J. Campbell; Nicholas A. Castillo; Christopher D. Dunn; Addiel Perez; Juan J. Schmitter-Soto; Sahar C. Mejri; Ross E. Boucek; Rolando Santos Corujo; Aaron J. Adams; Jennifer S. Rehage et al.
- The First Examination of the Movements of Flats Fishes to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas in Cuba
Environmental Biology of Fishes
Published: February 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-022-01343-4
Contributors: Fabián Pina-Amargós; Tamara Figueredo-Martin; Addiel Pérez; Yunier Olivera-Espinosa; Aaron Adams
- Viruses of Atlantic Bonefish (Albula vulpes) in Florida and the Caribbean Show Geographic Patterns Consistent with Population Declines
Environmental Biology of Fishes
Published: February 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-022-01306-9
Contributors: Lewis J. Campbell; Nicholas A. Castillo; Christopher D. Dunn; Addiel Perez; Juan J. Schmitter-Soto; Sahar C. Mejri; Ross E. Boucek; Rolando Santos Corujo; Aaron J. Adams; Jennifer S. Rehage et al.
Publications 
With a solid academic background in Environmental Science and Engineering, culminating in a Ph.D. focused on spatial planning and ecosystem services, I have developed expertise in strategic environmental assessment and sustainable land use planning. My research contributions, showcased in reputable journals, demonstrate a keen interest in addressing pressing environmental challenges such as urban growth impacts, land use change effects on soil retention, and air pollution dynamics, particularly in the context of Iran. My professional journey spans roles as an Environmental Expert in government ministries, spatial planning consultancy, academic research, and entrepreneurial endeavors, reflecting a commitment to advancing environmental sustainability through interdisciplinary approaches and innovative solutions. 
Working Experiences:
Computer Skills
Research Interests