Background in Biology and Oceanography, and upskilling in Sustainable Blue Economy (Advanced Master jointly offered by OGS and UniTS). Research background in fish and fisheries biology, biological oceanography, coastal ecology and management, deep sea ecology, ecological modelling; focus on ecosystem-based management. Experience with protected species (invertebrates, fish, turtles, mammals) and habitats, (coastal, deep sea, transition waters, salt lakes, sandy beaches and dunes, seagrass meadows, rocky shores, natural and artificial reefs). Experienced with multidisciplinary oceanographic studies, using different platforms for data collection, extended fieldwork in offshore and coastal field expeditions, familiar with marine and subsea technologies. Experience in fisheries data collection and marine environmental assessment. Cross-sectoral experience in artisanal fisheries, open-sea aquaculture, telecommunications and underwater cables, transport, shipping, oil and gas exploration Cross-markets experience in energy, coastal and marine tourism, ports, marinas and harbors, defense and security, research within the blue economy. Focused on the emerging sectors of blue economy: Currently involved in renewable marine energy (wave) and marine biotechnology (natural marine products for pharmaceutical and aquaculture applications) Science Diplomacy and International relations in the blue economy, Science communication and public awareness activities
PA3 - Climate-neutral, environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient blue food and feed
Removal of the invasive in the Mediterranean, long-spined sea urchin Diadema setosum, and extraction of gonads (uni) and venom from spines and capsules. Gonads (uni) can be sold as a delicacy with high value in the seafood market. They can also be used in the biotechnology framework, as they have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The remaining biological material (tisues) can be used to assess the biology and ecology of the invasive species (diet and trophic position, reproduction, movements etc) and then be used as an ingredient in aquaculture feeds and/or other products. Spines and capsules (all the hard parts) contain venom which will be investigated for its anti-cancer properties and other potential uses in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. After the extraction of venom and other chemicals, the remaining material can be used as artistic-sculpture material and as 3D printing material. If possible, smart 3D printed artificial reefs can be produced.
lessepsian migration, invasive species, long-spined sea urchins, blue food, aquaculture, biotechnology, cervical cancer, sustainable blue economy, 3d-print smart artificial reef