Almost every child who once declared, “I want to be a marine biologist!” was dreaming of a big, blue adventure. The kind with sun-lit coral gardens full of colorful fish, gentle sea turtles cruising by, and sharks gliding like guardians of the deep. Few imagine the dawn wake-ups, the salt-sprayed data sheets, or the heart-pounding thrill of witnessing species we are still trying to understand.
This blend of excitement, science, and grit is what every field day looks like for us. And behind each day is a team determined to protect marine wildlife while supporting the coastal communities that rely on the sea.
Where We Work: Many Countries, One Ocean
Our team spans seascapes filled with wonder and challenge. From shallow coral reefs to mysterious deep waters, each location holds incredible biodiversity and communities deeply connected to the ocean.
At MarAlliance, scientists, fishers, educators, and community members carry out essential marine conservation research across Latin America and the Caribbean. These efforts provide critical data on endangered species, support sustainable coastal livelihoods, and inform national policy that keeps our ocean healthy and productive.
Why Field Research Matters for Ocean Health
Marine megafauna — species such as sharks, rays, sea turtles, and large finfish — are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change. Yet these animals are key to ecosystem balance. Without long-term research and strong partnerships with local communities, declines can go undetected until it’s too late.
Our data-driven conservation approach focuses on:
- Monitoring sharks, rays, turtles, and migratory species
- Strengthening marine protected areas and national policies
- Collaborating with Indigenous and coastal communities
- Advancing deep-sea research in understudied ecosystems
- Training young scientists and local partners in stewardship
Our work model ensures that science benefits both nature and the people.
Meet Our Ocean Heroes
Belize: Science Driving Reef Protection
Featuring: Jerel, Science Officer — Belize
Belize is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest reef system and a vital habitat for sharks, rays and turtles. For over 15 years, MarAlliance has generated scientific evidence that shaped national conservation milestones, including Belize’s landmark gillnet ban. Jerel and the team track trends in marine megafauna populations that support fisheries sustainability, tourism, and coastal resilience.
Panama: Indigenous Leadership for Sea Turtle & Reef Conservation
Featuring: Daneira, Community Officer — Guna Yala, Panama
Panama’s Caribbean coastline provides critical nesting sites for sea turtles. In Guna Yala, where cultural identity is deeply connected to the ocean, we partner with Indigenous leaders to combine traditional knowledge with marine science. Recently, MarAlliance supported the first comprehensive coral reef health assessment in Guna Yala in more than 20 years, creating a baseline that will guide future protection. Through nest monitoring and education programs, Daneira protects marine biodiversity and her community’s heritage.
Honduras: Exploring the Deep Sea
Featuring: Sobeida, Research Science Officer — Honduras
Honduras’ deep waters hold species rarely seen — and even newly discovered. MarAlliance has advanced the country’s first deep-sea monitoring programs using satellite tags, scientific longlines, and BRUVs. This work has documented species new to national waters, improving knowledge of ecosystems hundreds of meters below the surface. The data supports sustainable fishing practices and emerging deep-sea conservation policies.
Mexico: Strengthening Biosphere Reserves with Local Partners
Featuring: Ceci, Project Officer — Mexico
In Mexico, we collaborate with fishers to monitor sharks and rays in iconic protected areas such as the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve and Banco Chinchorro. Data collected using BRUVs and scientific longlines help evaluate management effectiveness. By training fishers and youth in monitoring, Ceci and the team build long-term stewardship and strengthen conservation impact.
Join Us to Protect Marine Megafauna
From vibrant coral reefs to the deep ocean, MarAlliance fills critical knowledge gaps and drives meaningful policy change. Every tagged shark, monitored nest, and trained young researcher represents progress for a healthier ocean.
But this work depends on supporters like you.
A year-end donation keeps our teams working, empowers local communities, and gives threatened species a fighting chance.
