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Dr. Maria del Pilar Blanco Parra is a marine biologist specializing in the ecology, biology, fisheries, and conservation of fish, with a particular focus on sharks and rays. Her research explores the ecological roles and biological traits of elasmobranchs using advanced tools such as stable isotope analysis, acoustic telemetry, drones, and baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS). She is also deeply engaged in understanding the interactions between humans and marine species, analyzing the economic importance of sharks and rays through fisheries and tourism, and working with local communities to promote sustainable conservation strategies. She holds a Ph.D. in Marine Science and Limnology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and a B.Sc. in Marine Biology from Jorge Tadeo Lozano University in Bogotá, Colombia. She brings over two decades of international experience in marine science, specializing in fishery biology, elasmobranch ecology, and conservation of marine megafauna.

With over 18 years of research experience across Colombia, Mexico, and the United States, Dr. Blanco specializes in fishery biology, elasmobranch ecology, and marine conservation. Her work has included extensive field research, telemetry studies, and reef monitoring, as well as collaborations with NGOs, federal institutions, and universities. She has led and participated in numerous projects focused on shark and ray conservation, including serving as an assessor for the IUCN Red List Shark Specialist Group for Central America and the Caribbean.

Her academic contributions include over 40 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and technical reports on topics ranging from elasmobranch biodiversity and conservation to microplastic pollution and marine mammal ecology.
Dr. Blanco is fluent in English and Spanish, and has more than 13 years of teaching experience in higher education, having taught courses in ichthyology, elasmobranch biology, biodiversity monitoring, and scientific writing. She has supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate theses across Latin America, focusing on shark fisheries, reef ecology, and marine conservation.