Ariana Santos Agustines

Ariana Agustines is a Filipina marine conservationist and National Geographic Explorer with a research interest in sustainable management and conservation strategies for sharks, rays, and whale sharks. She heads the Palawan Whale Shark Project for the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of marine megafauna through scientific research, education, and community engagement. She also helps manage the national acoustic telemetry network for sharks and rays in the Philippines. Through her work, Agustines hopes to develop responsible marine stewardship, promote sustainable marine practices, and nurture the connection between communities and wildlife to emphasize the need for harmonized co-existence.