Conservacion Clandestina

Copyright © Jaaziel E. Garcia Hernandez. All rights reserved. 2020

jaaziel.garcia [at] upr dot edu

Jaaziel E. García-Hernández

Jaaziel E. Garcia-Hernandez (B.S. Marine Science - University of Hawaii at Hilo & M.S. Biology - University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez) is an aspiring marine sponge taxonomist and ecologist. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree at the University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez (UPRM), working under Dr. Nikolaos Schizas (Department of Marine Sciences).


My PhD dissertation focuses on understanding the ecological importance of sponges and corals within shallow and mesophotic coral reefs as OASIS for Biodiversity. More specifically, I collaborate with Xestospongia muta and Leptoseris cailleti, both ecosystem engineers, using them as model organisms to promote the conservation and restoration of the shallow and mesophotic coral reefs they inhabit. OASIS (Oscillators and Attractors of Symbiotic Interactions between Species).


Jaaziel is an active AAUS scientific diver for UPRM-Marine Science Department, this gives him the opportunity to assist in various research projects outside his own. His passion for the underwater world does not lay solely on marine sponges, he also has a passion for underwater photography/videography, underwater exploration, and underwater archaeology