Carlos Polo
Who I am
A dedicated marine science professional specialising in conservation, I have extensive experience in academia, research and consultancy. My academic background includes a doctorate in limnology and marine science from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, a Master’s in marine resource management from Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN) and an undergraduate degree in marine biology from Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano.
I have previously served as a consultant for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Marine Stewardship Council and the Wildlife Conservation Society, where I supported conservation initiatives across Latin America. As a peer reviewer for the Marine Stewardship Council, I helped certify sustainable fisheries worldwide. In addition, I was a full professor at Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, teaching ichthyology and fishery biology and supervising research projects on marine fish. Throughout my career, I have written more than 38 scientific publications, including 19 in English and six in Spanish, as well as two books and 12 book chapters. My work with various organisations and governments has enabled me to contribute significantly to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
Where I work
My work focuses primarily on elasmobranchs and fisheries management in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. Currently, I am a consultant for Sharky Management and Consulting LLC and Pew Charitable Trusts, supporting the implementation of marine conservation strategies in Panama, Ecuador, Colombia and Costa Rica. This role involves evaluating and mitigating bycatch in artisanal fisheries to align with national and international conservation agreements.
What I do
My expertise spans working with governmental authorities and organisations to raise awareness of and generate support for environmental issues. I am actively involved in scientific advisory committees for regional fisheries management organisations such as the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific, and I represent the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).