Statement of Condolence

28/11/2024

Fotografia d’arxiu d’Enric Ballesteros i Sagarra

The Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC) expresses its deepest condolences for the passing of Enric “Kike” Ballesteros, who passed away on the afternoon of November 27 at the age of 66, after a long illness.

Dr. Ballesteros was a distinguished biologist and ecologist, internationally renowned for his contributions to science, his commitment to science communication, and his steadfast advocacy for nature conservation.

Trained as a botanist, he built his career as a scientist at the Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC). From 1986 until his last day, he led research projects focused on understanding and conserving aquatic ecosystems, both marine and freshwater. From 1998 to 2002, he served as the Centre’s director and later headed the Benthic Ecosystem Functioning research group.

He worked mainly in seas and oceans around the world, aiming to study the organisms inhabiting them, understand ecosystem functioning, assess the impact of human pressures, and promote changes to ensure their preservation. This work resulted in notable scientific publications as well as outreach books and nature guides. These efforts earned him significant recognition, including his appointment as an honorary member of the Catalan Institution of Natural History in 2024, the Bluewave Award in 2023, and the Environmental Award from the Institute of Catalan Studies in 2016.

Alongside his internationally recognized scientific career, Dr. Ballesteros excelled as a photographer and a communicator of science and conservation throughout his life.

Dr. Ballesteros was also widely known as a member of the Pristine Seas team of the National Geographic Society, a project aimed at protecting the planet’s last pristine marine areas. Just a few weeks ago, he was conducting dives in the Solomon Islands as part of this research, making significant discoveries with his team, such as identifying the largest coral documented to date. Once again, he demonstrated his fighting spirit and his passion for science, the sea, nature, and ultimately, life.