Addiel Perez | Conservation and Management | Best Researcher Award

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

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 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.

 

Emmanuel Mmassy | Conservation biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Emmanuel Mmassy | Conservation biology | Best Researcher Award

Principal Research Officer at Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Tanzania

Emmanuel Clamsen Mmassy is a Principal Research Officer at the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI). With a passion for wildlife conservation, he has worked extensively on various environmental and ecological research projects. His expertise spans beekeeping, wildlife management, and species conservation. He holds a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and has led several critical studies on wildlife species, including vultures, Kori bustards, and beekeeping practices. Emmanuel is dedicated to improving conservation practices and enhancing livelihoods in Tanzania’s rural areas.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓Education

Emmanuel earned a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (2017), an MSc. in Conservation and Management of Wildlife Species from the International University of Andalusia, Spain (2005), and a BSc. in General Science from the University of Dar es Salaam (2000). He also holds a Diploma from the Tabora Beekeeping Training Institute (1992) and certificates in secondary education from Tosamaganga and Galanos Agricultural Secondary Schools.

💼Experience

Emmanuel has extensive research experience in wildlife conservation, having worked on projects funded by both national and international organizations. He has contributed to key studies on the ecology of vultures, Kori bustards, and the sustainability of live bird trade in Tanzania. He has also led projects on beekeeping, exploring its role in enhancing livelihoods and contributing to conservation efforts. His work spans over two decades, focusing on wildlife management, ecological assessments, and biodiversity conservation in Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.

🏆Awards and Honors

Emmanuel has received multiple awards for his research and conservation efforts, including notable recognition for his MSc. research on wildlife species conservation. He was awarded the prestigious MSc. degree for his work on live bird trade sustainability. His contributions to the field have been acknowledged by various conservation organizations, with a special focus on the success of his wildlife research projects. His collaborative work with international institutions further strengthens his reputation as a leading conservation biologist.

🔬Research Focus

Emmanuel’s research focuses on conservation biology, with a special emphasis on endangered species like vultures and the Kori bustard. He explores the ecological roles of wildlife in Tanzania’s protected areas and assesses the sustainability of practices like beekeeping and live bird trade. His work on environmental pollutants and their impact on wildlife, as well as his studies on wildlife tourism, contributes significantly to conservation strategies. Emmanuel’s projects aim to balance ecological health with local economic development.

Conclusion

Emmanuel Clamsen Mmassy is a highly qualified and dedicated researcher whose work has significantly advanced the field of conservation biology. His research contributions, particularly in species protection, environmental sustainability, and wildlife management, are impressive and have the potential to make a lasting impact on biodiversity conservation in Tanzania and beyond. To further amplify his impact, expanding his research scope to incorporate socio-economic factors and climate change dynamics would offer a more holistic approach to conservation. Given his extensive qualifications, leadership in international projects, and the practical outcomes of his work, Emmanuel is undoubtedly deserving of recognition for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications

  • Title: Api-tourism potential of Southern Tanzania: a case study of villages around Ruaha and Udzungwa National Parks
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Mmassy, E., Ntiniwa, K., Lesio, N., Mwakatobe, A., Marealle, W.
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Diurnal and nocturnal movements of Kori Bustards in the Serengeti ecosystem | Movimientos diurnos y nocturnos de Ardeotus kori en el ecosistema del Serengeti
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Mmassy, E.C., Ranke, P.S., Lesio, N.P., May, R., Røskaft, E.
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Resource utilization by the Kori bustard in the Serengeti ecosystem
    Year: 2019
    Authors: Mmassy, E.C., May, R., Jackson, C., Bevanger, K., Røskaft, E.
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Breeding ecology of Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori strunthiunculus in the Serengeti National Park
    Year: 2018
    Authors: Mmassy, E.C., Fyumagwa, R.D., Bevanger, K., Røskaft, E.
    Citations: 4

 

  • Title: Kori bustard (Ardeotis kori struthiunculus) occurrence in the Serengeti grass plains, northern Tanzania
    Year: 2017
    Authors: Mmassy, E.C., Fyumagwa, R.D., Jackson, C.R., Bevanger, K., Røskaft, E.
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Lake Basotu and Lake Tlawi are essential wetlands for waterbirds
    Year: 2014
    Authors: Fyumagwa, R.D., Mwakalebe, G., Mwita, M., Mmassy, E.C.
    Citations: 1