Dr. Juan Pablo Seco Pon| Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award
Investigador Independiente CONICET at CONICET, Argentina, Argentina
Dr. Juan Pablo Seco Pon is an Argentine marine biologist and independent researcher at CONICET, dedicated to the conservation of seabirds and marine ecosystems. Based in Mar del Plata, Argentina, he holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and has been at the forefront of research and policy advising in marine biodiversity for nearly two decades. He actively contributes to both national and international scientific bodies, including the FAO and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. Through his leadership in major interdisciplinary projects, he has developed socio-ecological tools and conservation strategies to reduce incidental seabird mortality in fisheries. A prolific researcher and principal investigator in numerous initiatives, he has shaped environmental management practices and contributed to marine conservation policy in Argentina and beyond. Dr. Seco Pon is also a passionate advocate for sustainable development and ecosystem-based management. 🌊🪶📚🌍
Professional Profiles
Scopus
ORCID
🎓 Education
Dr. Seco Pon completed both his undergraduate and doctoral education at the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata in Argentina. In 2006, he earned his Licenciatura en Ciencias Biológicas, laying the groundwork for his specialization in marine and coastal ecosystems. He advanced his studies with a Doctorate in Biological Sciences in 2014 from the same institution, with a research focus on seabird ecology, conservation strategies, and human-wildlife interactions. His academic path reflects a clear dedication to environmental science, particularly the sustainable management of marine biodiversity. His education provided him with a robust interdisciplinary foundation in ecology, conservation biology, and field research methods. His doctoral training also included work with top-tier research groups and interaction with governmental and international environmental organizations. 🎓📘🧬🌱
🏗 Experience
Dr. Seco Pon has held key research roles across Argentina’s top scientific institutions. He currently serves as an Independent Researcher at CONICET, working within the Ecología y Conservación de Aves Marinas y Costeras group. His earlier experience includes a research role at the Centro de Investigaciones Puerto Deseado (UNPA). Internationally recognized, he was Vice-Coordinator for the Working Group on Seabird Bycatch under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) between 2017 and 2023. Nationally, he has served on multiple advisory panels for seabird conservation under Argentina’s Ministry of Science and Consejo Federal Pesquero. His management and advisory contributions reflect an extensive commitment to integrating science into policy. 🌐🧪🔬🌊
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Juan Pablo Seco Pon has received notable recognition through his appointments and leadership roles rather than formal individual awards. He has been consistently entrusted with the position of Principal Investigator on high-impact national and international research projects from 2022 to 2025, reflecting his expertise and scientific leadership. His selection as Vice-Coordinator of the Seabird Bycatch Working Group under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) showcases his international standing and influence in global conservation efforts. He has also led and co-directed major conservation programs supported by Argentina’s Ministry of Science, the Pampa Azul initiative, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These roles highlight a strong record of peer recognition, institutional trust, and impactful scientific contributions, cementing his reputation as a key figure in seabird and marine ecosystem conservation. 🏅🌎📑
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Seco Pon’s research centers on the ecology and conservation of marine and coastal birds, with a major focus on minimizing incidental mortality caused by fisheries. His interdisciplinary approach combines field ecology, policy-oriented science, and socio-ecological modeling to design effective conservation strategies. He investigates seabirds as biomonitors of environmental health, develops mitigation tools for more sustainable fishing practices, and explores human-wildlife conflict to support better compliance with environmental regulations. His work is highly applied, contributing directly to public policy, biodiversity conservation, and the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems in Argentina. Through his projects, Dr. Seco Pon has played a key role in translating science into actionable environmental management, influencing both national and international conservation practices. 🌐🪶⚖️🐟
🛠 Skills
Dr. Seco Pon possesses a versatile and impactful skill set that bridges science, management, and policy. He is highly experienced in field research and ecological monitoring, particularly in seabird biology and marine wildlife assessment. As a seasoned project leader, he oversees complex, multi-institutional research initiatives and technical evaluations. His proficiency in data analysis and socio-ecological modeling enables him to assess human impacts on marine species and ecosystems effectively. He plays a prominent advisory role in national fisheries and biodiversity programs and has secured and managed substantial research funding from FAO, CONICET, and other major science agencies. His capacity for international collaboration is evident in his work with organizations such as ACAP and FAO, while his science communication skills ensure that his research influences both policymakers and the public. Overall, his expertise supports the implementation of real-world solutions in marine conservation. 🧩📊🧭🤝
Publications Top Notes
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Incidental Mortality of Black‐Browed Albatross and White‐Chinned Petrel in Argentine Longline Fisheries: A Comprehensive Estimation Addressing Spatial and Temporal Stratification and Cryptic Mortality
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Year: 2025 (April)
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Source: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
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DOI: 10.1002/aqc.70127
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Floating marine debris in two pelagic ecosystems of the southwestern Atlantic off Argentina
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Year: 2024 (March 8)
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Source: Marine and Fishery Sciences (MAFIS)
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DOI: 10.47193/mafis.3742024010704
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Risk-taking behavior by a cavity-nesting parrot breeding at northern Patagonia, Argentina
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Year: 2024 (March 2)
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Source: Ecología Austral
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DOI: 10.25260/EA.24.34.1.0.2233
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Effect of environmental variability on seabird assemblages across the Brazil–Malvinas Confluence during the austral winter
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Year: 2024 (February)
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Source: Marine Biology
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DOI: 10.1007/s00227-023-04371-5
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Is there a symbiotic cleaning association between ocean sunfish and pelagic seabirds in the Patagonian Shelf?
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Year: 2023 (July)
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Source: Symbiosis
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DOI: 10.1007/s13199-023-00933-9
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Where are you from? Isotopic tracing of juvenile Olrog’s Gulls from Mar Chiquita during the wintering season
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Year: 2023 (April 3)
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Source: Emu – Austral Ornithology
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DOI: 10.1080/01584197.2023.2186895
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Conservation approach in a coastal reserve in Argentina to promote the responsible disposal of litter derived from recreational fisheries
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Year: 2021 (November)
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Source: Ocean & Coastal Management
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DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105899
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First evidence of anthropogenic debris in nests of the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) from a small semi-desert Argentinean coastal ecosystem
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Year: 2021 (September)
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Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin
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DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112650
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Is there sexual segregation in habitat selection by Black-browed Albatrosses wintering in the south-west Atlantic?
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Year: 2021 (July 3)
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Source: Emu – Austral Ornithology
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DOI: 10.1080/01584197.2020.1869910
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Chlorpyrifos and persistent organic pollutants in feathers of the near threatened Olrog’s Gull in southeastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
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Year: 2021 (March)
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Source: Environmental Pollution
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DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115918
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Dr. Juan Pablo Seco Pon is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in categories related to environmental sciences, applied ecology, and public policy impact. His research demonstrates not only academic excellence but also significant real-world environmental and societal impact, especially in conservation and sustainable fisheries. With some enhancement in global academic visibility and clearer metrics of mentorship and innovation, his profile would be even more competitive at international levels.