Noelia Hernández Muñoz
Oceanographer, PhD in Marine Ecology and National Geographic Explorer
Conectándolo todo por su devoción a los océanos
Noelia Hernández Muñoz es Oceanógrafa, exploradora de National Geographic y Doctora en Ecología Marina. Su trabajo se centra en proteger y restaurar hábitats marinos de una manera interdisciplinar a través de; la ciencia, la interacción con la política, la participación comunitaria y la educación ambiental. En los últimos años ha trabajado como directora científica de Osa Conservation, una ONG en Costa Rica, dirigiendo diferentes proyectos de conservación marina y trabajando en la creación de un área marina protegida. Actualmente trabaja en España, liderando un estudio de economía azul sobre los beneficios que un medio marino saludable genera en la economía local y coordinando proyectos de conservación marina orientados a proteger y recuperar el Mediterráneo.
1. Tell us what you are currently doing in favor of sustainability and why you do it
Without a healthy ocean, life on Earth would not be possible, yet our seas are increasingly affected by impacts and degradation.
To support long-term ocean health, I work on projects that combine science, policy advocacy, education, and communication, aiming to protect marine ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.
Currently, one of my main focuses is the recovery of the Mediterranean Sea, through the creation of marine protected areas, the restoration of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, and the conservation of gorgonians and other threatened species.
2. Tell us, what role does innovation play or should play in driving sustainable change?
Just as humans have had a significant impact over decades, we also have the ability to create powerful solutions by using knowledge and innovation to protect the environment.
Today, technology is transforming marine conservation: from deep-sea cameras that provide valuable insights into ocean floors, to tagging systems that help us understand animal movements and migrations. There are also technological systems for monitoring protected areas and detecting illegal activities, as well as apps that bring science closer to citizens and generate data to support species protection.
Innovation also plays a key role in emotional connection. It helps bring the marine environment closer to people, allowing them to understand it, value it, and feel the need to protect it.
One of the projects I recently completed was a 360º immersive video in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Using virtual reality headsets, people can “dive in” and experience the ecological richness of the area. Tools like this make it possible to bring a complex environment like the ocean to a wider audience in a far more immersive and realistic way than traditional video.
3. Now, connecting with The Ocean Connections, what is your personal connection to the oceans?
I was born in Ávila, but from a very young age I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. I remember watching documentaries with my father and feeling completely fascinated by everything happening beneath the surface. I can’t even recall when I first said I wanted to do this, it has always been there.
At first, like many people, I wanted to work with dolphins and orcas. Then I became passionate about sharks, and over time, about other species like nudibranchs. Logically, being from Ávila, I might have been expected to work with wolves, which I also love, but I always knew my place was in the ocean.
The ocean gives me calm, but above all, it gives me happiness. Every time I come out of a dive, my friends say I’m smiling. And it’s true.
4. Your profile reads: PhD in Marine Ecology / National Geographic Explorer / Marine Conservation. Tell us about the origin of your passion for the oceans. How, when, and why did this journey begin?
As I mentioned before, my passion began by watching documentaries and underwater footage on television. I was fascinated by everything I saw. At that time, I didn’t yet know that oceans were under threat, but I already knew I wanted to dedicate my life to them.
My first challenge was simply being able to study marine science. I was an athlete, and it seemed more logical to pursue a different degree with broader career opportunities. Still, my parents supported me, and I studied Marine Sciences. From the first year, I knew I wanted to work in marine conservation, although I wasn’t sure how to get there.
During my studies, I became especially interested in shark conservation, which seemed almost impossible in Spain at the time. I worked as a teaching assistant in the biology department, and several colleagues encouraged me to pursue a PhD. Although it wasn’t something I had initially considered, I realized it would give me the tools I needed, so I applied for a scholarship and was selected.
I completed my PhD at a CSIC center in Mallorca, focusing on population ecology and how environmental conditions affect the life histories of marine predators. After finishing, I had two opportunities: Mexico or Costa Rica. I chose Costa Rica.
There, I worked as Conservation Director for an NGO, building a marine program from scratch. I contributed to the creation of a marine protected area, worked with artisanal fishers, protected sea turtles and mangroves, collaborated on coral restoration projects, studied sharks and rays, and promoted best practices in ecotourism.
During this time, I collaborated on an expedition with the Pristine Seas team from National Geographic, which became my first contact with them. That same year, I applied for a National Geographic Young Explorer grant… and I was selected.
During that expedition, I met my current supervisor, who invited me to join a project focused on restoring the Mediterranean. After completing several projects in Costa Rica, I returned to Spain last year.
Today, I work on multiple projects aimed at restoring the Mediterranean, while continuing to collaborate remotely with the NGO in Costa Rica.
