Frida Lara Lizardi

"Not being able to protect what we do not know"

Frida Lara Lizardi, PhD in Marine Sciences, Researcher, photographer, and conservationist. @fridalaral

In a world where the oceans hold unimaginable secrets and face constant challenges, Frida Lara Lizardi emerges as a passionate and committed voice for marine conservation. Why photography? For Frida, photography is not just a tool, but a window into the soul of the ocean, a way to convey its beauty and fragility to the world.

Twelve years ago, Frida began her photographic journey, capturing moments that would become testaments to marine life. Among her most memorable captures is "The Base of Life," taken in La Paz Bay while searching for whale sharks. This image captures the vital interaction between sardines and larger predators, reminding us of the importance of every link in the marine food chain.

The sun rose slowly over the horizon, painting the sky in warm, golden hues as Frida Lara Lizardi prepared for a day of exploration in the depths of La Paz Bay. With her camera in hand and her heart brimming with excitement, she embarked on an adventure in search of the majestic whale shark.

The crystal-clear water stretched before her, a blue canvas dotted with underwater promises and mysteries. And then, amidst the vastness of the ocean, she saw it: the gentle giant, the whale shark, gliding gracefully and majestically through the waters. It was a breathtaking sight, a reminder of the grandeur and beauty of marine life.

But what truly captivated Frida was the scene unfolding before her eyes: the mesmerizing dance of the sardines. Enormous schools of these small, silvery fish moved in perfect harmony, weaving sinuous patterns in the water as they fled from predators lurking in the depths.

Frida watched in wonder the interaction between these two species: the gentle giants and the humble sardines. And at that moment, she realized the vital importance of sardines in the marine ecosystem. They were the foundation of life, the pillars upon which the entire food chain rested.

Without sardines, the seas would be starved of sustenance. Larger predators, like the whale shark, would be left hungry and helpless, and the delicate balance of the ocean would be threatened. But thanks to the presence of these humble creatures, the seas teemed with life and energy.

For Frida, this underwater spectacle was more than just an observation; it was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life in the ocean. Every creature, large or small, had a crucial role to play in the vast and complex marine ecosystem. And as a witness to this natural wonder, she vowed to protect and preserve this fragile balance for future generations.

The basis of life - Frida Lara Lizardi

Another unforgettable snapshot is "A Gaze That Captivates You," taken in Magdalena Bay. Here, Frida takes us to a close encounter with a gray whale, whose penetrating gaze reminds us of the majesty and vulnerability of these creatures.

Dawn in Magdalena Bay painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, while gentle waves rocked the boat Frida Lara Lizardi was aboard. The sea breeze caressed her face, bringing with it a feeling of anticipation and wonder. That morning, they had set sail from Puerto Chale with hearts full of hope and minds open to the wonders the ocean had in store for them.

As the boat ventured deeper into the calm waters of the bay, silence enveloped the air, broken only by the gentle murmur of the water lapping against the hull. And then, as if nature itself were on their side, the gray whales began to appear, emerging majestically from the depths in a spectacle worthy of the gods.

But among all the whales dancing on the horizon, one in particular caught Frida's attention. It was majestic, its head raised above the water's surface in a gesture of curiosity and grace. And what truly captivated Frida was its gaze. In that moment, the universe seemed to stand still as the whale's deep, dark eyes met hers.

It was a moment of inexplicable connection, an instant in which time dilated and everything else vanished, leaving only Frida and the whale, lost in a world of wonder and mutual admiration. That gaze held centuries of wisdom and mystery, and Frida felt she was seeing the very soul of the ocean reflected in the eyes of that majestic being.

Even as time passed and memories faded, that encounter with the whale in Magdalena Bay would remain forever etched in Frida's heart. It was a gift from the ocean, a reminder of the beauty and grandeur of nature, and a testament to the profound connection that unites all living beings on this vast and wondrous blue planet.

A captivating gaze - Frida Lara Lizardi

"Sea Lion in Las Ánimas" immerses us in the reality of the threats facing marine life. The beauty of these sea lions contrasts sharply with the presence of an abandoned tuna net near their habitat, reminding us of the urgent need to protect our oceans.

In the tranquil and serene surroundings of the Islets of the Souls, a new presence had begun to make itself known: the fine wolves. These majestic and vibrant creatures had arrived only recently, but their beauty and vitality had already captivated those fortunate enough to encounter them.

Frida Lara Lizardi, camera in hand, was among the lucky ones who witnessed the arrival of these sea lions to their new marine home. With each click of her camera, she captured the very essence of wildlife and the hope these animals represented for the ecosystem.

However, the serenity of this marine paradise was threatened when a tuna net, abandoned without regard for the consequences, began to entangle itself near the area. For Frida, it was a shocking and heartbreaking revelation to think about the biodiversity that was in danger of being caught by that phantom net, an invisible but very real threat to the marine life she loved so much.

Uncertainty and anguish filled the air as Frida and other ocean defenders struggled to find a solution. However, their hope did not fade. Two months later, a large portion of the net was finally removed, freeing the trapped marine life and bringing a glimmer of hope back to Frida's heart.

For her, this event was more than just the release of trapped animals; it was a powerful reminder of the resilience and recovery of the marine world. Life on the Islotes de las Ánimas continued to thrive, battling adversity and finding the strength to carry on.

As the sun set over the horizon, Frida watched with renewed hope as the fur seals played in the crystal-clear waters, reminding her that, despite the challenges, the sea remained a place of life, beauty, and constant renewal.

Fine wolf in Las Ánimas - Frida Lara Lizardi

In "Angels Under the Sea," Frida invites us to immerse ourselves in a world of grace and serenity, where mobula rays congregate in great numbers. This image captures the tranquility and beauty of marine life, inspiring us to care for and protect our oceans.

The sun filtered through the crystalline waters of Ensenada de Muertos, illuminating a celestial spectacle unfolding beneath the surface. It was a day of grace and wonder, a day when the creatures of the ocean gathered in an unparalleled dance.

It was the year of the mobula rays, and thousands of these majestic creatures had gathered in the waters, creating a symphony of movement and beauty. They floated like angels suspended in the ether, their graceful, elegant bodies slicing through the sea with ease. For Frida Lara Lizardi, it was a spectacle she would never forget.

With care and reverence, Frida immersed herself in the underwater world, letting herself be enveloped by the serenity and calm emanating from the mobula rays. She glided silently beneath the school of fish, watching in wonder as the creatures passed above her with grace and majesty.

Each movement of the mobula rays was a synchronized dance, a dance of life and freedom that filled Frida's heart with wonder and admiration. She felt as if she were witnessing an underwater miracle, a manifestation of the beauty and harmony of the natural world.

And then, with the same care with which she had arrived, Frida began to slowly ascend to the surface, making sure not to disturb the peace of the mobula rays. It was a unique experience, a moment of profound connection with underwater life and a lesson in humility before the grandeur of the ocean.

For Frida, the mobula rays beneath the sea represented much more than just a beautiful image. They were a reminder of the wonder and magic hidden beneath the ocean's surface, and a call to protect and preserve this incredible ecosystem for future generations.

Angels Under the Sea - Frida Lara Lizardi

But photography is only one part of Frida's commitment to the oceans. How can we improve our relationship with the sea? Frida urges us to learn from it, to understand its complexity and fragility, and to take steps to protect it.

His work has witnessed impactful moments, such as the birth of a dolphin in the Revillagigedo Archipelago. But it has also witnessed the recovery of species and ecosystems, demonstrating that hope and effort can make all the difference.

Looking to the future, Frida hopes that awareness and continued work will lead to the recovery of more marine species and ecosystems. And if she had the opportunity to convey a message to the world, it would be one of hope and action: never lose hope and keep working for the health and recovery of our oceans.

Frida Lara Lizardi shows us the power of photography as a tool for marine conservation, sharing stories that inspire, raise awareness, and connect us with the beauty and fragility of the oceans.

Frida Lara working in the field - Author unknown

Frida Lara Lizardi, a researcher passionate about the secrets of the ocean, has undertaken an academic journey that spans from the warm waters of the Mexican Caribbean to the remote atolls of the Seychelles.

He began his career at the Autonomous University of Yucatan, where he immersed himself in the study of marine biology, exploring the diversity of coral reefs and participating in conservation projects on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Later, she broadened her academic horizons at Queen Mary University of London, where she obtained her Master of Science degree in Marine Science, delving into the feeding behavior of blacktip sharks in captive environments.

Armed with a PhD in Marine Sciences from CICIMAR-IPN, Frida launched herself into the forefront of scientific research. From advising master's theses at the University of York, England, on habitat use and home range of great white sharks on Guadalupe Island, to her participation in the range expansion of the great white shark Nasolamia velox in the Revillagigedo Archipelago in Mexico, her work has encompassed a wide spectrum of marine topics and regions.

Her commitment to marine conservation led her to collaborate on shark population assessment projects in the Seychelles and to participate in the restoration of marine reserves in Cabo Pulmo, Mexico. Furthermore, her work as an instructor and advisor in various international institutions and projects demonstrates her deep commitment to education and the promotion of marine conservation worldwide.

From her early days studying the diversity of coral reefs to her participation in international conferences, Frida has demonstrated a deep connection with the sea and an unwavering commitment to its preservation.

In summary, Frida Lara Lizardi is not only a brilliant scientist, but also a passionate advocate for the oceans, whose academic career and commitment to conservation have left an indelible mark on the world of marine research.

Frida Lara Lizardi is not only a brilliant scientist, but also a passionate advocate for the oceans, whose academic career and commitment to conservation have left an indelible mark on the world of marine research.

Note generated by Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra