Our Panamá research officer Andrés Frauca grew up right by the sea all around the Panamanian coastline. He always showed immense passion for the sea, especially sharks. He studied Ecology in Medellin Colombia’s CES university with a masters in ecology and fisheries management in Perú with the center of marine research (CIMAP). He began working in the Colombian Pacific Ocean in 2021 after finishing school, focusing on hammerhead sharks in the town of Nuquí. There, he collaborated with the local fishing association to establish sustainable fishing practices and raise environmental awareness throughout the town. Later, he worked on monitoring fauna in the seamounts of the Colombian Pacific using BRUVS.

He has 4 years of experience working with sharks & rays in the in the private and public sector. His passion for protecting marine wildlife aligned with Maralliance vision. He is very excited to apply all of his knowledge towards ocean conservation.