In February 2024, I earned my degree in Marine Biology from the Università Politecnica delle Marche. During my studies, thanks to internships and my thesis work, I had the chance to explore various scientific topics, including microplastic pollution and its distribution across the Mediterranean Sea. I also focused on mitigation strategies aimed at preventing these particles from accumulating in fish within the food supply chain. Currently, I am a research fellow at CNR IRBIM, working on the PNRR project “NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY FUTURE CENTER – NBFC.” My research investigates the impact of recreational fishing on fishery resources, examining a diverse range of species, from pelagic fish in open waters to more sedentary ones commonly found in confined marine environments, such as ports and artificial structures. I have also taken part in laboratory work and offshore sampling aboard research vessels, gaining hands-on experience in data collection.
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.