Adriana Gonzalez-Pestana is a senior scientist at Advanced Conservation Strategies and the Instituto Milenio en Socio-Ecología Costera that focuses on systems-level assessments and solutions to improve small-scale fisheries in the Humboldt Current. She is an Adjunct Professor at Universidad Cientifica del Sur where she teaches future marine biologists. She has been involved in the conservation of endangered shark species through research and education. She holds an MS in fisheries biology and management from James Cook University. She uses outdoor science-based activities and storytelling to promote environmental identity in children from coastal communities.