Alexander Rafael Hearn

Alex Hearn earned his BSc in Oceanography and Marine Biology from the University of Southampton, UK, and his MSc and PhD from Heriot-Watt University in the Orkney Islands. He currently holds the position of Professor and Researcher at the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). His ongoing projects involve utilizing acoustic and satellite telemetry to comprehend the role of oceanic islands and marine protected areas in conserving migratory marine species, particularly sharks. With extensive experience in fisheries research, zoning, and marine reserve connectivity in the Galapagos Islands, he initiated the Shark Research Program in 2006 and co-founded the MigraMar network. In 2020, he was named co-champion of the Mission Blue Galapagos Hope Spot. Alex has published over 60 peer-reviewed research articles and played a pivotal role in developing the blueprint for the new Hermandad Reserve in 2022.