Oceanographer Dalila Aldana promotes ocean conservation at Sea Festival

Biologist and oceanographer Dalila Aldana Aranda closed the 2026 Sea Festival (Festival del Mar) in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. During her keynote lecture, she addressed the critical need for ocean conservation, focusing on threats such as climate change, marine pollution, and microplastics.

Aldana highlighted the warming of the Caribbean Sea and explained the vital role microorganisms play in generating much of the planet's oxygen. She also used the platform to advocate for the visibility of women in science, encouraging local authorities to establish awards to recognize their contributions.

Aldana is a prominent researcher at the Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional and the first woman to preside over the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute. She has also been honored by the French government as a Knight of the Legion of Honor for her work in climate change mitigation.