Sebastian Cruz

Sebastián Cruz is a seabird ecologist from the Galápagos Islands whose work focuses on the movement ecology, behavior, and conservation of marine birds. He earned his doctorate in Biology through the University of Konstanz and the International Max Planck Research School for Organismal Biology. He is currently the Marine Program Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy in South America.

At ABC, Sebastián supports marine bird conservation in Ecuador and the wider region, with a strong focus on reducing fisheries bycatch. His work includes coordinating field programs, and building collaboration with government agencies, industry representatives, and conservation partners.

Sebastián has more than 15 years of experience in research and conservation and has contributed to studies on species such as the Waved Albatross, Swallow-tailed Gull, Red-footed Booby, Great Frigatebird, and Galápagos Petrel. His research has explored at-sea distribution, foraging ecology, migration, and behavior. And has been published in journals including Nature Communications, Movement Ecology, Marine Ecology Progress Series, and Marine Ornithology.

Raised in the Galápagos, Sebastián brings a strong personal connection to the ecosystems he works to conserve. His work aims to develop practical, evidence-based solutions that reduce threats to seabirds while supporting the long-term conservation of marine ecosystems in the eastern tropical Pacific.