Irene Casanova

Born and raised by the sea in Alicante, Spain, Irene grew up sharing with her family a passion for the ocean and diving. Over ten years ago, while working as a dive master in the Mexican Caribbean, she encountered sharks underwater for the first time, an experience that inspired her dedication to studying and protecting them. She holds a degree in Marine Biology and a Master’s from CICIMAR-IPN, where she conducted a research on nursery areas of the Galapagos shark using genetic analysis, acoustic telemetry, and innovative, non-lethal methods such as ultrasound imaging. Irene has worked across the Gulf of California, the Pacific islands of Mexico, and the Mexican Caribbean, collaborating with different organizations, including Pelagios Kakunjá, Save Our Seas Foundation, Ocean Blue Tree, Fins Attached, Sulikowski Big Fish Lab, and Save Our Sharks Foundation. She currently works at Pelagios Kakunjá as data analyst and field technician, and is involved in projects on reproductive biology, acoustic and satellite telemetry, BRUVS, and fisheries. She values teamwork and believes that collaboration among scientists, NGOs, and fishing communities is key to effective marine conservation.