I hold a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of Palermo, followed by a PhD earned in collaboration between the University of Palermo and Bangor University. My doctoral research, titled “Trait-based indicators development for assessing the impact of trawling activities,” focused on leveraging trait-based approaches to assess the ecological impacts of fisheries, particularly trawling, in marine ecosystems such as the Mediterranean Sea. My research centers on developing models and indices to better evaluate the vulnerability of bentho-demersal communities to fishing pressures. I employ methodologies such as multivariate trait analysis integrated with spatial analysis of fishing intensity using satellite vessel tracking systems. This innovative approach aims to model and predict the ecological impacts of trawling on marine biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. Additionally, my work explores the effectiveness of biodiversity indicators and species distribution models in supporting an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. By highlighting disturbance patterns associated with various stressors, my research seeks to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms that disrupt ecosystem stability and functioning.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.
