Paulina Filz is a Ph.D. candidate in Coastal Oceanography at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, focusing on kelp-forest ecosystems and their resilience to climate change, marine heatwaves, and fishing pressure. Her research combines scientific diving with long-term ecological monitoring and community-based marine management along the Baja California coast. Through her WDHOF Advanced Dive Training Grant, Paulina will advance her scientific diving qualifications to enhance cross-border field research and to better understand the contributions of kelp forests and their fish communities to Nature, People, and Culture. She aims to foster collaboration between scientists, divers, and coastal communities in support of ocean stewardship.

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