Alejandro Pérez-Matus

Some of the most extraordinary ecosystems remain hidden in the twilight below recreational diving depths. My work focuses on temperate and mesophotic reefs, highly dynamic ecosystems rich in life yet poorly known and highly vulnerable to human pressures. What propels me is the urgency to understand how these communities are linked and how they function, how they respond to disturbances, and how we can protect and manage them—recognizing that humans have been part of coastal ecosystems for millennia. My goal is to provide a basis to restore a more harmonious relationship between people and the ocean, grounded in knowledge, respect, and shared stewardship.

As a scientist and diver, I push boundaries by integrating deep-reef exploration, long-term ecological monitoring, and network of collaborations with other scientists and colleagues as well as coastal communities and local fishers. I’m fascinated to reveal species interactions, behavioral adaptations, and ecosystem processes that are impossible to observe from the surface. Therefore, exploration is not only about depth; it is about expanding perspectives, learning from other disciplines, and connecting people from places creating identity as most will never see, and translating scientific discovery into meaningful action to society.

My hope is that kelp forests, mesophotic reefs, and other coastal ecosystems—so often overlooked—gain global recognition as essential reservoirs of biodiversity, resilience, and cultural heritage. I also hope to help train a new generation of scientists, scientific divers, and explorers who will continue to push the limits of discovery while strengthening our collective connection to the sea.

Swimming in open water was not just a physical experience; it was sensory, almost ancestral. It opened a world that demanded both emotion and discipline, inviting me into the vast complexity of the ocean.

That first immersion shaped everything that followed. Studying marine biology allowed me to give structure to my curiosity. I met scientists and explorers of the ocean who taught me to see the ocean not only as a place of beauty, but as a living system governed by interactions, energy flows, and deep evolutionary histories. Later, learning English and experiencing academic life in the United States expanded my sense of possibility, while working in an NGO grounded my scientific interests in conservation and community relevance. 

Parallel to this, underwater photography trained me to look closely. With my first analog camera, I learned patience, framing, and the power of attention. These skills became essential underwater, where subtle details often reveal ecological patterns. Pursuing a master’s degree in marine sciences in Coquimbo, Chile and a PhD in New Zealand deepened my ecological understanding. It taught me that every organism, from kelps to reef fishes, is part of a network shaped by disturbance, resilience, and adaptation. New Zealand’s landscapes and scientific culture also sharpened my desire to explore. Now based in a small town in coastal Chile, my aim is always to connect field experience, theory, and observation.